Alvin Lee Shipley
March 10, 1946 ~ March 20, 2017
Alvin Lee Shipley, 71, Camby, passed away peacefully March 20, 2017, in Community Hospital South. Alvin was born March 10, 1946, in Indianapolis, to the late Clifford Otto, Sr. and Maxine (Buster) Shipley. He was also preceded in death by “his gal,” Marcia (Johnson) Shipley, who died on June 8, 2008. They were united in marriage February 20, 1982.
He graduated from Decatur Central High School in 1964 and served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1968-70. He also served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1970-74. Alvin worked for Shipley Tree Service and later owned and operated his own company, Greenwork. He became a stay-at-home dad when his daughter Sarah was born. A gentle and caring person, he was strongly devoted to his family and always enjoyed Sunday dinners. He was a loyal sports fan for all Indiana teams. He was a nature lover and arborist, and enjoyed fishing, camping, and being outdoors. Alvin was quite practical and was always comfortable in his home that he and Marcia rehabbed from mostly reclaimed materials. Above all, Alvin was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother who will be fondly remembered by his family.
Survivors include his son, Erik Shipley (Claudia) of Fort Wayne; daughter, Sarah Richardson (Matt) of Mooresville; siblings, Clifford Otto Shipley, Jr. (Judith) of Camby, Phyllis Grimes (Steve) of Speedway, and Deborah Baker (J.R.) of Camby; grandchildren, Eleanor Shipley, Ephraim Richardson, and Olive Richardson; and his canine companion, DesDeMona.
Friends and family will gather to celebrate the life of Alvin L. Shipley on Friday, March 24, 2017, 4 to 8 p.m., in the chapel at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. The service will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 25, 2017, in the funeral home. Burial will be in White Lick Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arbor Day Foundation, https://shop.arborday.org/content.aspx?page=commemorative-sample-tim. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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My thoughts and prayers are with you, Deby, and all of your family!! Love you, sister!!
Alvin and I were classmates at DCHS. We were not best buds in school but I always held Alvin in the highest regard.. After high school we paled around a little before we both left to see the world, military service. We all honor Alvin for his service to his country and being a loving caring family man. I hope to see Alvin in eternity. … Larry Reynolds
Larry, thank you for the kind words about our dad. He definitely was a loving, family man. He will be missed. – Sarah (Shipley) Richardson
When Jimmy was killed, it was Alvin who wrapped his arms around me and said. “It’s better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.” That’s all he said. He hugged me and did not say anything else. To this day, it was the most comforting words I ever heard. I loved him dearly, then and now. RIP dear cousin. You will remain in my heart forever. Loved and lost again.
Alvin,
I believe in the providence of Almighty God that we are placed into people’s lives for a reason. I am blessed I am to have had a friend like you. People have come in and gone out of my life, but you never really left. Your friendship is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.
We became best friends in the 4th grade at West Newton Grade School. Every week end either you would stay over at my house or I would stay over at yours. I could write a book about the positive affect you have had on my life. We sure had some fun times drag racing, riding the horses, or simply having your parents bring us back White Castles for a mid-night snack. We thought those times would never end. Then I-70 and I-465 destroyed our farm. I moved to Hendricks County and Avon High School. I meet a really special girl and liked her so much I married her, but that didn’t stop our friendship. You were my Best Man in our wedding. Years passed and you went to the army and I went to Seminary. I would contact you on occasion when ever visiting back home in Indiana. I have been trying to call you, but the phone number was “no longer in service”. The Bible says in Proverbs 17:17”A friend loves at all times…” I will never forget you my friend. Tommy Shoulders
Tommy, I am just now seeing your comment as I look back at dad’s obituary. Thank you for the kind words. I think many people felt this way about dad and it truly touches my heart. He was a gentle soul that spread love and peace. It gives me comfort to know that he was loved by many. I’m so glad he knew you and that you have such fond memories. God bless you. If you have any stories or photos you’d like to share, I’d love to see them. You can email me at sarahelizabethrichardson@hotmail.com or on Facebook I am Sarah Shipley Richardson. – Sarah Richardson, Alvin’s daughter