of Fifty Six, AR
December 8, 1947 - July 31, 2016
Don L Shipman passed away Sunday, July 31st, 2016.
Don grew up poor and country as the youngest of five kids. He excelled at basketball and flirting, and didn't let school slow him down too much. As young man of the late 60's he had to go to war. Not a war he understood but one he had to get through. It would play a defining role in his life.
Don married a pretty girl and they had a daughter in 1971. He became BigDon in 1978 when a son was born. The marriage didn't last but the kids sure did. He was loyal, and there wasn't too much he wouldn't do for his friends. He was a Democrat who enjoyed politics and a good debate.
Don was a good person to know in a fight. If for no other reason, just so you weren't on the wrong side of the knuckles when the fun started. He loved good steak and cold beer, and was partial to Elvis Presley. He was proud of his kids and never missed an opportunity to give a compliment. He made those he loved feel special. Maybe he made you feel special.
Don was fond of cruising through town in his government issued vehicle with his hound dog. He would take the time to visit and maybe have a smoke. He never liked paperwork and those he stopped appreciated it. He really knew people.
Don knew what he liked, even if he shouldn't. In his heart, there was always one more dance or one last beer. I know that wherever Don has gone, he has found his peace. There is a coastline with a blue ocean and a place for his chair. There is sunshine that never dims, laughter that never stops, one more dance, one more beer, and one last ''How ya doin, partner?''
Don Shipman was a veteran of the Vietnam War and retired from the US Forest Service with thirty years of service. During his time in the United States Army Don was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge, among other honors.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; Verlin and Dovie (Pitts) Shipman, Sister; Maxine Treat, Brother; Leon Shipman.
He is survived by his daughter; Rachel Batson and husband John, Son; Don P. Shipman, and three grandchildren; Maggie, John, and Bobby Batson, Brother; Ernest Shipman, Sister; Juanita Kendrick; and a host of family and friends.
Pallbearers include; Jim Mello, Doug Ryan, Fred Goldthorpe, Larry Lewis, Garry Norman, Roger Smith, David Shipman, Joe Edmonds.
Roller Crouch Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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11 Condolence(s)
Daniel W. Merry III
Monday, September 26, 2016
Don was a good friend and a fair-minded officer. He was a soldier who loved his country and folks of all types. I belong to a group of people who meet every year at Blanchard Springs Campground for good food and good music and good fellowship. This year was our 30th year. We could never have done this without Don's help and support. Thank you, Don....RIP, Ol' Buddy. See you again someday....
Dan (the Tire Man) Merry
Joy Thomas
Friday, August 5, 2016
So sorry for the loss of Don. My husband,Glen Thomas, worked so closely with Don when we lived in Russellville in the 80's. They went through a lot together and Glen loved Don. Glen passed in 2015 and Don called me. He was a kind man and I thought a lot of him.
Steven Hartman
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Sincerely
Steven Hartman
Mary Hartman
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love
Mary, Ben & Andrew Hartman
Judy Rector
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Judy and Randy Rector
Billy Ball
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Don, I still remember and can still see that big smile and hear the laughter from when we traveled around Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas. Remembering some of the best of times. Your obituary captured it all.
Doug & Molly Ryan
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Rachel, "Little" Don, & Margaret - Our buddy, our "partner" will surly be missed. One of the good guys. A lifelong democrat that I enjoyed bantering back and forth with, he told me recently he switched to republican! We spent a lot of hours in the woods together fighting the good fight. Rest in Peace my friend.
Jill Smothers Holt
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Dear Rachel and Don Jr., I am so sorry for your loss. I know your Daddy was quite a character and loved his family so much! I know he lives on in your hearts, I have fond memories of the old days when our Dads were invincible. Love ya'll and your in my prayers.
Jill Pill
Debby mcClung
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Don was always nice to everyone. I worked in the public all my life. I did not know him well but I knew him. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Mazie (Sutterfield) Lee
Monday, August 1, 2016
My sincere sympathy to all of the loved ones and friends. Don went to school at Big Flat and was in my sister's class so it seemed like I knew her classmates more ...........Don was also a cousin of my husband Ronnie D. Lee.
Dave Montalbano
Monday, August 1, 2016
It was an honor to share life's journey with Don. Rest in Peace my friend.