Dana D. Shirley
October 8, 1948 — September 30, 2015
Dana D. Shirley, 66, of Denver, Colorado and formerly of Terre Haute passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home, Wednesday, September 30, 2015. He was born on October 8, 1948 in Elwood, IN to James Keith Shirley and Helen Maxine Whitehead Shirley. Dana was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Mary Elizabeth Owens Shirley, on September 27, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was also preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his sister, Sandra Shirley Hunter and her husband, James, of Terre Haute; his niece, Meredith Shirley Hunter Minné, her husband Alec, and their children, Haley Sandra Minné and Hunter David Minné of Atlanta, GA; and his nephew, Jonathan Ross Hunter, his wife Michele Howard Hunter, and their children, Ethan James Hunter and John Robert Hunter of Terre Haute. Also surviving are his aunt, Norma Jean Whitehead of Tipton, IN; his mother and father-in-law, Joseph Owens, Sr. and Ethel Owens; brother-in-law, Joseph Owens, Jr. his wife, Chris, and their children of Oconomowoc, WI; sisters-in-law, Sarah Jacobs, her husband, Jake and their children of Denver, CO and Mary Margaret O'Connell, her husband, Dr. Jack McConnell and their children of Sunset, SC; and many beloved cousins. Dana was a 1966 graduate of Garfield High School where he participated in many sports, but golf was his passion. He attended Danville College, Purdue University and graduated with honors from Penn State University with a degree in Turf Management. He started his career at Medinah Country Club in Chicago, IL. In 1981 Dana moved to Denver where he worked at local PGA championship golf courses; Cherry Hills, Pinehurst Country Club and Castle Pines where he was Superintendent of Turf Management. Dana retired in 2010. On January 9, 1979 Dana married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Owens. They loved Colorado with its mountains, golf and skiing. They also enjoyed a vacation home in Beaver Creek, which they visited each year. Dana and Mary loved to travel and explore new places. They were avid sports fans, particularly the Colorado Rockies and the Denver Broncos. They were a generous, loving and devoted couple who loved their family and friends dearly. They will be missed by many. There will be a shared Celebration of Dana and Mary's lives on Saturday, October 24, 2015 in Horan & McConaty Mortuary, 1091 South Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80246. Family and friends are invited to share thoughts and condolences at
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