05/28/2025
Stanley R. Shirk of Blountstown, Florida, age 79, departed peacefully for his eternal home from his residence on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 6:00 in the evening, following a long battle with multiple physical challenges. He leaves behind a wife of 58 years, Mary Jane (Detweiler) Shirk, two daughters, Deborah of Blountstown (married to Stan Horst), Sandi of Jupiter FL (married to Troy Sanford), six grandchildren, Kendall Horst, Jordan Babb (husband Randall), Tucker Sanford, Tanner Sanford, Spencer Sanford, and Sawyer Sanford. He also has three great-grandchildren born to Jordan and Randy Babb. Their names are Adrielle, Latimer, and Bo. Stanley is survived by siblings Erma Martin of Harrisonburg, VA, Edie Bontrager of Harrisonburg, VA, Janet Hebner of Franklin, PA, Leon of New Holland, PA, Dale of Alamogordo, NM, and Sanford of Dickson, TN. He is preceded in death by a sister, Martha, and a brother, Edward. Stanley has been passionate about loving God and serving people all through his life. Soon after marriage, he answered a very direct call to full-time ministry, leaving behind a secure management position. He attended Rosedale Bible Institute in 1969. He served as a missionary in Jamaica from 1970 to 1977. Upon his return, he served with the Virginia Mennonite Mission Board, then pastored the Mountain View Mennonite Church until 1989. Following Mountain View, he encouraged and ministered to pastors through Apostle Ministries for two years. He then served in Cornerstone Church and Ministries in various roles until his illness became severe enough that he could no longer continue at such a pace. Despite his physical challenges, he volunteered as chaplain at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Virginia, and again at Blountstown Health and Rehab after moving to Florida in 2014. He most recently attended Rivertown Community Church in Blountstown, where he continued to passionately serve Jesus through prayer ministry, small groups, and personal mentoring. In keeping with Stanley’s heart for ministry, and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to WholeWordInstitute.com. An informal celebration of life meal and service will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 4:00 pm at Rivertown Community Church in Blountstown. Arrangements are under the direction of Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.