THOMAS P. SHIRLEY

Dodge City - Thomas P. Shirley, 85, died February 20, 2011 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. He was born on February 28, 1925 in Topeka, the son of Arch and Martha (Payne) Shirley.

Thomas grew up on the family farm in Grantville. He graduated from Perry High School. At an early age, Tom developed a love for flying. At age 15, he soloed and then went on to earn his private, commercial, instructor, instrumental, and multi-engine ratings. On June 23, 1948, he married Donna Jacobs in Norton. She survives. Thomas and Donna lived in Norton where Thomas was a spray pilot. They moved to Kansas City where Tom worked in the Kansas City Stockyard where he learned the cattle business. When he started buying cattle for Maurer-Neuer, they moved to Arkansas City. He traveled the Midwest buying cattle. It was then that he and his partners, Art Evener and Sam Davis, saw the potential in Dodge City for a packing plant. Tom and Donna moved to Dodge City in 1961. Tom, Art, and Sam started Hy Plains Dressed Beef, which is now National Beef. In 1976, Tom and Art bought First National Bank in Dodge City, now Bank of America. He was a partner in Ford County Feedyard, Ford and Texas County Feedyard, Guyman. With his business partner, Art, he also owned Hy Plains Cattle Company in Dodge City. Thomas retired in 1995. He and Donna enjoyed spending the winters in Arizona, returning to Dodge City for the summer. Tom was an avid horseman and loved to team rope. In 1980, he and his roping partner were IFCA World Champion Team Ropers. Thomas always looked for ways to give back to the community. He and Art were instrumental in starting Dodge City Roundup Rodeo. Thomas served on the Methodist Youthville Board of Directors and built the riding area for Youthville. He and several others founded the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas. Thomas was very proud of his flying and enjoyed flying for both business and pleasure. After retiring, Tom also enjoyed getting to play golf.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dodge City.

In addition to his wife Donna, Thomas is survived by one son, Brian Shirley and wife Suzanne of Dodge City; three grandchildren, Samantha, Levi, and Rebekah Shirley all of Dodge City; one brother, Bob Shirley and wife Sally of Grantville; and three nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Stephen Craig Shirley; and one brother, Arch Shirley, Jr.

Funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Dodge City, on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Lance Carrithers presiding. Entombment will follow at Scroggins Memorial Mausoleum in Dodge City. Friends may sign the book from noon to 8:00 PM at Swaim Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 22, 2011. The casket will remain closed. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church or to Methodist Youthville in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.