Donald Shippy

Donald Eugene Shippy, age 96, of Kendallville, passed away Monday, March 24, 2025, at Sacred Heart Home in Avilla where he resided the past 4 years. Mr. Shippy was born in Wilmington Township, Dekalb County, Indiana on July 10, 1928, to the late Robert S. Shippy and Lucille (Esselburn) Shippy.

He graduated from Kendallville High School in 1946. Donald honorably served his country from 1946-1947 in the United States Army with occupation forces in Japan. After he returned home from the service, he attended International Business College in Fort Wayne and graduated in 1949. He married Joan Hetrick on October 29, 1948, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church parsonage in Kendallville. Joan preceded him in death on September 24, 2010.

Don started out employed as an accountant, working for 23 years with Fordeck Kemerly in Kendallville. He later went on to work for Universal Electric and Kirby Risk in sales and as manager of their local retail stores. Don was very active with his church and in the community. He was a member of Trinity Church United Methodist, charter member of Kendallville Jaycees, V.F.W., Free & Accepted Masons, and Elks Lodge where he served as Exalted Ruler in the past. He coached Little League with Kendallville Youth Baseball, and he was leader with the Boy Scouts. 

Survivors include:
Daughter, Marcia and Wendell Fritz of Kendallville.
Son, Robert and Cynthia Shippy of Fort Wayne.
Daughter, Melinda and Kevin Hamman of Kendallville.
Son, Donald and Nancy Shippy, Jr. of Kendallville.

Nine grandchildren: Samuel and Shannon Fritz of Greenwood; Molly Krieger of Stroh, Seth and Toni Fritz of Carmel; Robert and Jey Shippy of Toledo, Ohio; Kathryn and Ryan Ziegler of Fort Wayne; Christopher and Regina Hamman of Evansville; Carrie Gillard of Fort Wayne; Aaron and Jessica Heinke of Breman; and Lakan Shippy of Kendallville. Eleven great grandchildren also survive. 

Graveside services with military honors will take place at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville a future date.

Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Church or Sacred Heart Home.  

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