Obituaries - 2016

Hand in hand with his best friend and wife of over 60 years, Mr. Ronald Keith Shipman, 81, of Dallas City, IL went to be with our Lord at 3:17 pm Wednesday, October 12th, 2016, at Wesley Village Health Care Center in Macomb, IL.

Ron was born on Saturday, January 4th, 1935 at 10:30 am in the north bedroom of his Grandparents home in Carthage, IL. Born to Zenes Mason and Frances Alleyene Smith Shipman, Ron grew up in Carthage and was a 1952 graduate of Carthage High School. After graduation Ron joined the Army and served in Germany from 1953-1954, returning to his hometown area after his service.

On July 1st, 1956, Ron married Sandra Sue Allen in Carthage, IL. Their family grew to include sons Audie, Doren and Brian, and a daughter Karma. Ron worked a number of jobs in the local area while using his GI Bill to attend Western Illinois University, where he graduated with honors in 1964 with a Bachelors in Mathematics. His illustrious career immediately launched at Mason & Hanger/Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, continued with successful stints at Gardner Denver, Country Companies, and Carthage Mutual, where he retired as a Claims Adjuster in 2010.

Ron loved serving his community. One of the many ways he gave back was by giving blood through the Red Cross. Over the course of his life he donated over 29 gallons of blood. Ron was also a long time member of the American Legion, where he proudly served in numerous Memorial Day celebrations and conducted many military funeral honors for deceased veterans.

Ron had an incredible sense of humor and was well known for his monologues at various local events. He enjoyed singing with Sandra and was an Elder at the First Christian Church in Dallas City. He had served on the Dallas City School Board and was a key player in the design, fund raising and creation of the Dallas City Veterans' Memorial.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra; Three sons, Audie and Doren Shipman, both of Dallas City; Brian (Cindy) Shipman of San Diego, CA, and one daughter, Karma Shipman of Houston, TX; Four grandchildren, Landon and Brent (JoLyn) Shipman of Gilbert, AZ; Mason and Paige Shipman of San Diego, CA; Four great-grandchildren, Braden, Gracie, Joseph, and William of Gilbert, AZ; One sister, Beulah Bea (Bill) Lane of Canton, IL; One brother, Michael Dean Butch (Missy) Moore of Carthage, IL., and many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws and out-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Wayne Leroy Touge Shipman and (Infant) Larry Zenes Shipman.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, October 20th, 2016 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, IL. Burial, with Military Rites, will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery near Carthage, IL. Friends may call anytime after 3:00 pm Wednesday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home, where the family will meet with friends from 5-8:00 pm. A memorial fund has been established for the Dallas City American Legion.