John William Shirk, age 74 of Petersburg, WV passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2019.  He was born on March 22, 1945 in Smoke Hole, WV the son of the late Charles Edward Shirk and Amanda Ellen (Kimble) Shirk.

Mr. Shirk attended school in Smoke Hole and was a member of the Marvin Chapel Church in Petersburg. John worked various jobs in the area including at the sawmill for Allegheny Wood Products in Petersburg.  He liked working on small engines such as lawn mowers and enjoyed gardening and farming in his free time.

Mr. Shirk is survived by: 5 brothers, David Shirk (Patricia) of Petersburg, Olie Shirk (Helen) of Moorefield, Carl Shirk (Delores) of Upper Tract, WV, Edward "Jack" Shirk (Rose) of Upper Tract and Dale Shirk of Ruddle, WV; 1 foster sister, Leoda Riggleman of Petersburg; 5 foster brothers, Arthur, Ervin, Delmas, Lemuel and Junior Whetzel all of Petersburg; 2 sister-in-laws, Leta Mae Shirk of Petersburg and Belinda Shirk of Cabins, WV and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Shirk was preceded in death by: 4 brothers, Burlin, Bryson "Joe", Jimmy and infant brother, Roger Dale Shirk and 2 sisters, Betty Shirk and Rhoda Creamer; foster mother and father, Violet and Isaac Whetzel and 1 foster brother, Herman Whetzel.

Mr. Shirks family will receive friends on Thursday, December 12, 2019 from 6-8 PM at the Basagic Funeral Home in Petersburg. Funeral Services will be on Friday, December 13, 2019 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of the Basagic Funeral Home with Pastor Ted Anderson officiating. Interment will be at the Whetzel Family Cemetery on Patterson Creek Road in Petersburg.  Memorials may be made to The Gideons International. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com