Donald Shipps

Donald Gerard (Don ) Shipps has left us! He left with his Bible by his bed side. We his family and the community are in shock over his passing. Born August 22, 1952, to Chester W. and Elizabeth A. Shipps.

He was united in marriage on March 11, 1977 to Brenda Fossett later divorced and from this union came two children who survive him, Ian Hunter and LeAndra Don and her significant other Steven Jackson; He is also survived by his grandson, Masaaba Jackson-Shipps; his father, Chester W. Shipps; his brothers, Chester A. Shipps and his wife Monica, and David L. Shipps and his wife Ann; sisters, Mary Elizabeth Holden and her husband Melvin, Margaret Louise Fannell, Cecelia Ann Shipps, Stephanie Elaine Shipps-Wynn, and Josetta Marie Shipps; Some of his nieces are, Tanya Nelson of Newport News Va., Dea Shipps-Wilson of Indianapolis, Ind, Melissa Shipps of Las Vegas, Ne., Latoya Wynn, of Chicago, Ill.; and nephews, Mark Washington of Phoenix, Ariz., John Holden of Wichita, Kan., Christopher Shipps of Seattle, Washington, Allen Davis of Carthage, Mo., Clinton Fannell of Scottsdale, Arizona, Alistair Fannell of Springfield, Mo., Ra Shipps of Anchorage, Alaska; and many more nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

When one spoke of Don Shipps one spoke of a "Shining Light" not only on stage but in life. He had touched so many and will leave a hole in the fabric of all the lives he touched. His musicianship was unquestioned. But he mentored to so many and ministered to the elderly as well. His religious fervor was expressed at an early age with his emulations of the mass ceremony early in the mornings and late at night. One vivid incident involved the dining room table and some artificial flowers that erupted in flames. Mom & Dad didn't know what to do; they simply talked to him about the need for safety. Most of the family during that time thought Don was going to be the priest in the family. But then Mom gave Don accordion lessons which strained the family's listening skills. Don practiced after school at night and sometimes if he could get away with it in the morning. It drove most of us batty, because I don't care how many doors one closes to tune out the sound, accordion music carries. Don started his interest in the guitar through the popularity of the Beatles. He bought all of their early records and would try to emulate their technique by playing the guitar. He virtually taught himself how to play the guitar and then the bass. Thus his priest career fell by the way side. However, his devotion to the church and prayer never wavered.

Music, Baseball and Church defined Donald's life. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 698. All the various bands he played with attest to the breadth of knowledge and experience he had achieved. We his family and all of his friends will share the memory of a loving, caring and sharing, happy go lucky performer who shared the legacy of knowledge and art with us all and especially his religious commitment to church and God. He will be sorely missed.

Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2004 in St. Joseph Catholic Church 1115 N. Campbell. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery under the care of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 6 pm to 8 pm Tuesday with Rosary services starting at 7 p.m. all in the church. A memorial gathering will be announced at a later date.