Ray H. Shireman

Ray Henry Shireman, 97, of Hartsville, passed from this life Monday, May 6, 2019, at Decatur County Memorial Hospital. Mr. Shireman was born June 21, 1921, in Columbus, the son of Henry Shireman Jr. and Florence Lawlis.  Ray had two sisters, Mary Pogue, Elsie VanCamp and one brother, Paul Shireman who have all preceded him in death.  Ray was a proud veteran of WWII where he served in the Army of the United States from November 11, 1943, to May 16, 1946.  He was honorably discharged as a technician fourth grade 305th ordinance maintenance company.   Ray was known to have many conversations about “Em” to his troop members.  He married his “Em” Emily Ann Shireman on August 11, 1946, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Columbus, Indiana.  They were married for 72 amazing years. Emily preceded him in death December 4, 2018. When married they moved to a farm in Decatur County, Hartsville area.  Together they raised five children, David (Brenda) Shireman, Robert (Jan) Shireman, Alan (Dalene) Shireman, Lynn (MJ) Shireman and Annette (Larry) Geis. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Ray worked for Cummins Engine Company for 33 years, retiring July 31, 1982.  He proudly told stories of his time at Cummins and the amazing friendships he made along the way.  He proudly enjoyed the life of a farmer.  He never backed down to the hard work it took to make an amazing home for his family.  Ray will be dearly missed by all those who had the great honor of knowing him. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2019, at St. Peters Lutheran Church with Pastor Patrick Gallagher officiating. Calling will be 4 to 8 p.m. at the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home  and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery with military honors performed by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions can be made to the one of the following organizations: St. Peters Lutheran School, Lett’s Fire Department or Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana.