Robert W. Shirk

Robert W. Shirk, 76, of Narvon, passed away on March 2, 2017 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was the loving husband of Paula J. (McCoy) Shirk, with whom he shared over 53 years of marriage.

Born in Narvon, he was a son of the late David M. and Bertha (Wiker) Shirk.

Robert retired from farming but then continued to do maintenance for Maple Grove Raceway for 18 years. He was a member of Churchtown United Methodist Church, the Haycreek Valley Historical Association of Morgantown, the Swiss Pioneers Preservation Association of New Holland, and the Caernarvon Historical Society. Bob and his neighbors started a Shirktown Threshers Show in 1992 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Shirk Farm. This continued until 2009 when the show was taken up by the Swiss Pioneer Group. In his spare time he enjoyed collecting old farm equipment, John Deere Tractors, tools, and also gardening.

In addition to his wife, Robert is survived by three daughters: Beth Ann Shirk of Narvon, Patti A Loughery, wife of Robert, of Mohnton, and Kristen A. Groff, wife of Michael, of Narvon; 4 grandchildren: Thomas and Kelly Loughery and Paula and Joshua Groff; 3 siblings: David M. Shirk, Jr. of Mohnton, Shirley Dull of Narvon, and Susan Stauffer, wife of Joseph, of Honey Brook; a sister-in-law, Linda Shirk of Terre Hill; and his beloved dog Bud.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother George W. Shirk, and his sister Ruth Reifsnyder.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 11 AM at Twin Valley Bible Chapel, 105 Shirktown Rd, Narvon PA 17555 with Dr. Bill Muller and David Kling Officiating. Interment will follow at the United Methodist Cemetery of Churchtown. Viewings will be held on Tuesday, March 7 from 6-8 PM at Groff-High Funeral Home, 145 W. Main St., New Holland PA 17557 and on Wednesday, March 8 from 9:30 –11 AM at Twin Valley Bible Chapel. If desired, please consider a donation in Robert’s honor to the Leukemia & Lyphoma Society of Central PA, 2405 Park Dr #100, Harrisburg, PA 17011. To send the family online condolences, please visit www.groffeckenroth.com . Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.