Gary H. Shipplett, 86 of Abingdon, passed away at 1:00 a.m. Monday, September 5, 2022, at his home.
He was born February 23, 1936 in Abingdon, the son of Max R. and Ruby (Harland) Shipplett. He married Sharon J. Friend on June 20, 1959 at the First Baptist Church in Galesburg.
Gary is survived by his wife, Sharon; two sons, Scott (Shuyan) Shipplett of Galesburg and Jeff (Julie) Shipplett of Abingdon; one daughter, Shelly (Trent) Rodgers of Berwick; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Carroll Shipplett of Yorba Lynda, California; and a brother-in-law, Dan Congdon of Hamilton. He is also survived by his fur buddy, his dog, Twiggy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Mike Shipplett and his sisters, Joyce Shipplett and Mary Anne Congdon.
Gary graduated from Abingdon High School in 1954. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi. He lived in Abingdon all of his life and worked as an engineer for BNSF Railroad for over thirty years, retiring in August of 2000. He was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. His hobbies included golfing, bowling, traveling, playing “word” games on his computer, watching his favorite shows on TV, and spending time with family and friends.
Cremation will be accorded. To celebrate his life, the family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, September 10, 2022, at the Abingdon American Legion Post #381. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Knox County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
