J.W. "Shorty" Squires Jr.

April 2, 1921 - November 12, 2019

J.W. “Shorty” Squires, Jr., longtime resident of Terrell, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 12, 2019. J.W. was born on April 2, 1921 in Everman, Texas in, at the time, rural Tarrant County to Jasper William, Sr. and Gertrude Squires. He was met at the gates of Heaven by his beloved wife, Margene, who passed in 2011, his parents and his siblings: James Mack Squires, Sr., and Janie Ruth Squires and his nephew, Kenny Squires. Shorty moved to Terrell as a young man and graduated from Terrell High School and worked for Kelpens Ice Cream repairing and maintaining the ice cream cabinets and soda fountains. He then enlisted into the Army Air Corps (now known as the Air Force) in 1942 and served 7 months overseas as a member of the 394th Bomb Squadron in the Pacific Area. Shorty worked on and was squadron inspector for B-24 airplanes, the hardest working aircraft used by all branches of the US military as well as allied air forces and navies during WWII. He served his country with honor and distinction and was honorably discharged in 1946 after attaining the rank of SSGT. On Feb. 11, 1945, Shorty married the absolute love of his life and his best friend, Margene Ellis and they were inseparable. When Shorty came home after WWII, he worked Dickson Appliance where his familiar face and friendly smile was an invaluable asset to the store after which he worked for Terrell State Hospital. Besides spending time with Margene, Shorty and she were active members of First United Methodist Church in Terrell and always were available to help with church activities and fellowship. He also loved the outdoors where he could hunt and fish, enjoying God’s creations and making memories with friends and family. A quiet man with steadfast values and generous heart, Shorty will be missed by all who knew him. J.W. is survived by his nephew, James Mack (Macky) Squires, Jr. and wife, Billie Sue, of Terrell; niece, Janice Kay Squires as well as great-nephews, extended family members, his church family and a host of friends made during his life. Funeral service will be 11:00am, Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with Military Honors. Family will receive friends at 10:00am, Wednesday, one hour prior to service. Private interment will be at Oakland Memorial Park. Family asks memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church 503 W. College St. Terrell, Texas 75160.