MURPHYSBORO – The manager of the Southern Illinois Airport in Murphysboro has announced his retirement.

Gary Shafer posted on the airport’s Facebook page that he will retire March 31 of next year.

Shafer says it has been his honor and privilege to represent the airport for the past 46 years and will miss it.

Shafter thanked everyone he encountered and worked alongside at the airport and taught at SIU and for enriching his experience here. Shafer says the airport has accomplished a lot together and is proud of its achievements.