Philip Donald Shire, 93, of Mexico, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, at St. Brendan Catholic Church with Fr. John Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park.
Arnold Funeral Home is serving the family.
Don was born on March 27, 1932, in Mexico, the son of Philip John and Anne (Fecht) Shire. On January 25, 1961, he married Anna Jane Cox from Benton City and this year, they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary together.
Mr. Shire graduated as valedictorian from St. Brendan High School and went on to dedicate his life to farming, the vocation he truly enjoyed. He loved his family deeply and his unwavering faith was the cornerstone of his life. A devoted member of St. Brendan Catholic Church, he lived out his values with quiet strength and humility, finding solace in prayer. He also served his community through his involvement on the MFA Board, ASC Water Board and as a member of the local Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include his wife, Anna Jane Shire of the home; two daughters, Jacqueline (Michael) Wessel of Fulton, and Susan Selle (Casto Fernandez) of Cary, North Carolina; two granddaughters, Makayla Wessel of Nashville, Tennessee, and Marissa Wessel of Fulton; one great-grandson, Kobe Wessel; and five nieces and one nephew.
Don was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Rose Mary Reeder and Lt. Col. Roger Reeder.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Brendan Catholic Church or Presser Performing Arts Center. Both may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
