History & Staff

O.N. Shirley's son, Walter L. Shirley, joined the business in 1927, following graduation from the University of Chicago. Walter Shirley and his brother Kenneth were the second generation of the family to be involved in the business. O.N. Shirley died in 1945, and his brother Luther died in 1968. Walter and Kenneth added the Drexel Chapel at 10th and Drexel on the city's east side during the 1950's, while the West Michigan Street Chapel closed in the 1960's.

Walter Shirley was remembered by his grandsons as a unique individual. His interests outside the family-owned funeral home included the presidency of Shirley Engraving Company and Mortuary Supply Company. With his brother, he was a co-founder of Wal-Ken Properties, Inc., a real estate and automotive leasing firm. He was also a co-founder and first president of the Lions Cancer Control Fund, a co-founder of the Lions Eye Bank and a district governor of Lions Club.Walter Shirley founded the Flower of the Month Guild Inc. and was a commander of the Hoosier Power Squadron. His book on celestial navigation is still consulted by Midwest sailors.

Walter Shirley's sons Arthur and David both joined the business, as did Kenneth's son Stephen. They built the Washington Memorial Chapel on East Washington Street and moved there from the location at 10th and Illinois in the 1980's.By 1986, the Fishers-Castleton Chapel was added and the fourth generation of Shirley's had entered the business.

Today, Fred and Jim represent the fourth generation active in the family business on a daily basis. They are grandsons of Walter L. Shirley, who served the firm from 1927 until his death in 1986. Jim Shirley says Shirley Brothers has prospered for over 116 years in Indianapolis by adhering to a simple philosophy, "What we do is help people say goodbye."