Community to celebrate life of 7-year-old Zayen Shireman

BY Samantha Goff

GRANT TRIBUNE SENTINEL

A celebration of life for 7-year-old Zayen Seven Shireman of Ogallala will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, at 10 a.m. MT at Midwest Cooperative Corporation, 104 Washington Ave. in Grant.

Zayen died Thursday, Aug. 6, following a drowning incident at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers are investigating the incident.

Born Jan. 28, 2019, to Kimberly Crowe and Jeremiah “Frog” Shireman, Zayen was remembered as a joyful, outgoing little boy who filled every room with laughter and light. He loved Hot Wheels, knew everything he could learn about the Titanic and enjoyed singing his favorite songs. He also had a special love for animals and never passed a stray cat without stopping to show it affection.

Zayen attended church each Sunday and eagerly participated in services and prayers. He was homeschooled by his mother, who took pride in his quick and curious mind. He and his father, affectionately known together as “Frog and Tadpole,” enjoyed driving around and naming the vehicles they saw along the way.

Although Zayen lived primarily in Ogallala, he had close ties to the Grant community, where his father and several members of his extended family live.

Those attending the celebration are encouraged to wear bright neon colors in honor of Zayen’s joyful spirit.

Memorial donations may be made at any Pinnacle Bank location under the name Zayen Shireman. The family plans to donate the funds as a memorial in his name at a later date.

Online condolences may be left at drauckerfh.com. Draucker Funeral Home assisted the Shireman and Crowe families with arrangements. An obituary appears on page 2.