01/19/2024
“I was just a coal miner”—that was his reply when asked what he might want in his obituary. But, of course, no one is “just” anything—and especially not merely an occupation, although he excelled in the positions he held in the coal mining industry from 1954 when he started as an office clerk at Wilkinson Coal Company in Knoxville, Iowa, to his various roles at mines and divisional offices in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, until he retired from Peabody Western Coal Company in Flagstaff, Arizona, in December 1991.
After retiring, Glynn volunteered in various capacities, utilizing his computer, financial, and business acumen to provide assistance and encouragement to his local church—Christ’s Church of Flagstaff—and other ministries.
He made numerous lifelong friendships through school, work, and church, and was known for his sense of humor, integrity, and generosity. He was an excellent trapshooter, a proficient bowler from his youth into his 80s, and enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles, and a wide variety of music, even playing the snare drum in the Iowa State University marching band.
Glynn T. Sirpless was born December 10, 1935, in Opelousas, Louisiana, to Quentin and Edith (Carruthers) Sirpless, but the family’s roots were in Texas. His father’s work as a dragline operator took them to communities in Missouri, Oklahoma, and eventually Iowa, where Glynn met the love of his life, Shirley Kay Cecil. They were married on Christmas Day 1954, recently celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary.
To this union were born two daughters—Glynna and Sheryl—who always knew they were loved, and still love their dad dearly.
Glynn went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, January 19, 2024, in Flagstaff, Arizona, after a long battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Ron Sirpless, and his niece Teri Olson.
He is survived by his wife, two daughters, younger sister Nancy Fry, sister-in-law Kay Sirpless, nieces Donna Bacus and Kathy Bacus, and nephews Gary Bacus, Mark Bacus, Tim Sirpless, and Eric Fry.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Christ’s Church of Flagstaff. Interment at Graceland Cemetery, Knoxville, Iowa.
Instead of flowers, the family appreciates your considering a donation to Christ’s Church of Flagstaff Glynn Sirpless Memorial which will fund camp scholarships. You can give online at https://ccof.church/giving, by mail, or by dropping a gift by the church (3475 Soliere Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86004).