Vernon “Sonny” Shirley, of North Platte, NE, passed away at the age of 84, on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at Great Plains Health.

Sonny was born on April 1, 1933, to Manley John and Bessie Alice Corlett Shirley in Hays County, NE.  He grew up in Nebraska, living in the Maywood and Curtis area, and graduated high school from the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture in 1951.  Sonny then worked at the Sale Barn before joining the U.S. Army.  After serving two years in the military, Sonny returned to the family farm south of Curtis.

On August 9, 1953, Sonny was united in marriage to the love of his life, Eileen LaVern Dodson, at Curtis. Sonny farmed until 1962 then went to work for Bellamy John Deere Implement in Curtis then moved to North Platte in 1967 to be a salesman for Callahan John Deere Implement, which later became Kaschke John Deere.  Sonny enjoyed his job and eventually retired in 2000.

Sonny was a member of the First United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #95 in Curtis, and Eagles Aeries #2839.  He was also very active with B.P.O. Elks #985 in North Platte where he served as Exhalted Ruler and was recognized as Elk of the Year.

Sonny enjoyed fishing, camping, and selling and collecting John Deere tractors.  He especially loved dancing with Eileen and they were members of the Winter Dance Club for many years.  Sonny was a loving husband and a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He will be greatly missed.

He leaves behind his wife of nearly 64 years, Eileen, of North Platte; their children, Kent (Christy) Shirley and Deanna Smiley (Johnnie Moore), of North Platte, and Denise Nelsen (Ryne Norton), of York, NE; six grandchildren, Brian (Chelsea) Reese, Jennifer (James) Snook, Tyler Reese, Kane (Ann) Shirley, Aspen Shirley and Jeremiah Klatt; five great-grandsons, Jacoby and Jacek Snook, Batie and Crea Reese, and Korbin Shirley; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Manley and Bessie; son, Douglas Duane Shirley; sisters and brothers-in-law, Oleta and Leonard Dodson and Eileen and Blaine Farrar; and sons-in-law, Chris Nelsen and Russell Smiley.

Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating.  Burial will follow in the Maywood Cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the Maywood Cemetery or the Maywood Community Hall.