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Harrison Shipman Obituary
Celebration of life: 2 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church. Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Greenwood Funeral Home.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Moslah Hospital Fund, P.O. Box 1320, Fort Worth 76101.
Harry Shipman was born Oct. 23, 1920, in Tarkio, Mo., to Henry T. Shipman and Delpha B. Breshears Shipman. He grew up in Ava, Mo., and graduated Ava High School. He attended Drury College, Springfield, Mo., in 1939, and Bakersfield College in 1940. He graduated from U.S. Army Air Corp Cadet School, Luke Field, Phoenix, Ariz. in 1941. He served his country with distinction as a fighter pilot and achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel at age 24 and was first squadron commander of the 458th Fighter Squadron. He flew P-51 Mustangs, and among his stations were Panama, guarding the Canal Zone, and Iwo Jima, escorting bombers and flying fighter missions over Japan.
Among his achievements, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with one cluster and Air Medal with three oak clusters and several campaign ribbons and unit citations. Also known as "Ship," Ship continued his military career in the Reserve and retired in 1980.
Harry met Elizabeth "Betty" Cleator in Tuscon in 1941, while Betty was a senior at the University of Arizona. They kept in touch during World War II and married April 12, 1946, in Las Cruces, N.M.
Harry spent 10 years in the Carolinas as an entrepreneur with his father and brothers before moving and accepting a motor freight executive position with Chief Freight Lines in 1956, in Fort Worth, which was to become his lifelong home, aside from a few years as a vice president with Chief in Tulsa, Okla.
In Fort Worth, Harry was past president of Eastside Kiwanis, a member of Meadowbrook Methodist, then First United Methodist Church where he enjoyed his volunteer work, Masonic Lodge 925, 32nd-degree Scottish Mason, Moslah Temple Shrine Patrol, Royal Order of Jesters Court No. 32, the Glen Garden Country Club, Colonial Country Club, then Woodhaven Country Club, Petroleum Club and Carousel Dance Club.
He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Lt. Col. Leonard Shipman; older brother, Bob Shipman; and his parents.
Survivors: Beloved wife, Betty, of almost 62 years; son, Jimmy Shipman and wife, Jana of Richardson; daughter, Jeannie Hammann of Dallas; granddaughters, Jacy Shipman and Nicole Hammann, both of Dallas; and grandson, Peter Hammann of Stephen F. Austin University, Nacogdoches.
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Memories and Condolences
for Harrison Shipman
Sponsored by J Shipman.
Jimmy Shipman
April 3, 2008
I just wanted to take the time to acknowledge some very important people in Dad's life, as well as my own.
About a week AFTER Dad's incredible service, I found additional information on Dad's final wishes, apart from the main file he had put together. I discovered Dad's own personal list of pallbearers and I want to acknowledge who he listed, two of which I had chosen as well ... John Calland and Harold Davidson. The other four Dad listed were Dr. Paul Geyer, Loren Hanson, John Hostettor and Paul Johnson. I wish that I had found Dad's list before his services, but I would be remiss in my duties as Dad's son and best friend, if I didn't let it known now worldwide that he thought of these gentlemen to honor him in such a fashion.
In addition to the men Dad chose above, I would also like to acknowledge the ones I chose to honor Dad and in so doing, so honored me as well. I personally know Dad thought highly of each and every one of these gentleman. First the family and family related ... Peter Hammann, his grandson; Steve Shipman, his Lt Colonel (yes, another one) younger brother's son and Jeremy Cox, Nicole Hammann, his granddaughter's friend. Next a group of guys that I not only call my friends, but my brothers -- the Meadowbrook/Eastern Hills "Fort Worth" contingent, Jerry Brandt, Clint Crockett, Dr Bob Dodd, Jimmy Norman and Dwight Smith. And finally, the SMU mafia cult ... err contingent ... of Earl Doolin, Jim Fitzhugh, Bill Mechanick, Jim Thomson and Michael Tunnell.
I owe you all my profoundest sense of gratitude. I love you all.
Kenneth Temple
February 19, 2008
Dear Betty, Jeannie,Jimmy and families,
I was shocked to get the sad news of Ships sudden passing. Our friendship goes back to 1942. He was my flight commander and my teacher when I was priviledged to be his wing man during my early training as a fighter pilot. He was a great leader, a skilled pilot and a dear friend. I will really miss him, but I am thankful for the many memories I have of our good times together.
Joyce joins me in sending our love and deepest sympathy to you Betty, and the family.
We will be in touch soon.
Ken and Joyce Temple
Jo Ann Geary
February 18, 2008
To Betty and family,
I am so saddened to hear about
your loss. Harry was a great gentleman and a fine
person and will be missed by all
who knew him.
My God bless you and be with you
during this time.
Sincerely,
Jo Ann Geary
David Sr. Jr. Freida Darlene Rhodes
February 17, 2008
Deepest sympathy. Our prayers are with you.
Bob Tice
February 17, 2008
Betty, I am so sad to hear about Harrison and although I didn't know you both but for a short time I feel like it has been much longer. I will always remember the stories you both shared with me and the adventure of finding Cleater, Az. God bless and keep you in your sorrow. Bob & Nancy Tice
Dell Smith
February 14, 2008
Betty, my heart goes out to you, your children, and your grandchildren. Ship was a terrific person, and I will miss seeing him in the church garden every Sunday. I pray that your pain will be eased.
Chuck and Sally Bettinger
February 14, 2008
Betty, Jeannie, Jimmy - it was good to be with you last night even considering the reason. While so sad to experience your obvious grief over your loss, it was also uplifting to witness the love and wonderful memories displayed by you and the many friends present. And to see the whole Air Force squadron from Carswell come to honor Harry was amazing. "Who knew" he was a real war hero! He was always so quite and reserved. Truly he had much to brag about but didn't, and you all have much to be proud of - and always will be.
Linda Vann
February 13, 2008
My father worked with Mr. Shipman at Chief and always spoke so highly of him. I knew he must be a good man.
My mother and I extend our deepest sympathies to his family. I know what a devastating loss this must be.
But it is only temporary, you will be together again when your work here is done.
God bless you and give you peace.
Linda Vann & Frances Vann
Carol Evitt
February 13, 2008
Jimmy - I have no words to soothe the pain and loss you are feeling with the passing of your dear father. Know that I am thinking of you and keeping you and your family in my prayers. What a blessing your father is now Home and at peace from all earthly cares and pain. Carol Evitt EHHS 1968
Olen Morris
February 13, 2008
"Ship" was a great neighbor, He & Betty were always ready to do what needed to be done. He will be missed by all his friends and neighbors.
Olen & Judy Morris
Roberta Smith
February 12, 2008
Mr. Shipman was always a joy to work with at "Chief". He was loyal to his company and fair to his employees. He truly was an Officer and a Gentleman. I am happy that we stayed in touch over the years. Betty, you will be in my prayers as you go through this difficult time, but with the help of Jimmy and Jeannie, and with Gods hand on your shoulder you will make it. Sincerely, Roberta Smith.
Brenda (Burgess) Burris
February 12, 2008
Jimmy, my sister and I went to high school with you, we are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers.
Teresa Farquhar
February 12, 2008
"What is essential is invisible to the eye."..antoine de saint-exupery
My prayers are with you,
-tk
Edward Linfante
February 11, 2008
So sorry and shocked to know Ship has passed on. He was one of my 506th Grp Iwo Jima flying buddies who kept in touch with me living only 10 miles away. Just talked to him a week before he died inviting him to attend a Feb 6th Aeroclub meeting featuring Chuck Yeager as speaker. Worse yet, he died one day after my 87 yr old ailing sister whose funeral will preceed his by one day and to which I'm obligated and scheduled to attend in N.J. by flying there tomorrow. My sympathy and apologies to Betty, his children and grand children. We'll miss him.
Bob McGill
February 11, 2008
I was priviledged and honored to have worked for and with Harry for
many years with Chief Freight Lines.
Harry was a man of integrity and
honesty. I know he will be missed.
Our prayers are with you, Betty,
Jimmy and Jeannie and all the family. May Gods love and grace
surround you during these difficult
days ahead.
Love in Christ.
Bob & Beverly McGill family.
Sandra Morris
February 11, 2008
Jimmy,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss, but you will be united with him in the future when we all get to heaven. And you have all your wonderful memories of him.
Henry Hammann
February 11, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Dean Jensen
February 11, 2008
He was a fine man. A true pleasure to fly with.
Bud Ledingham
February 11, 2008
Harry was a fine Patrolman and Jester. He was also a very kind, caring gentleman and my good friend. I was proud to have known him and will miss him greatly.
My thoughts and prayers are with Betty and the family.
Bob McGill
February 11, 2008
I had the priveldge to work for and
with Harry at Chief Freight Lines for several years. He was a man of
integrity and honesty. Our prayers
are with you, Betty, Jimmy & jeannie
that Gods Love & Grace surround you
in these difficult days ahead.
Dr. Bobby & Beverly McGill family.
February 11, 2008
Harry was a great man and will be missed by many. We have enjoyed knowing him through our work in Moslah Shrine and ROJ. He is a good neighbor in Woodhaven just a street away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Bob and Carol Anne Bott
Clauddea Austin
February 11, 2008
Betty,
Roberta Smith (Dallas, TX Chief Freight Lines employee)called us this morning and told us of "Ship's" passing. Please know Gene and I will keep you and your family in our prayers during this difficult time. May God Bless You with peace and many sweet memories in the coming days.
Sincerely,
Gene and Clauddea Austin (Tulsa, OK Chief Freight Lines employees)
Jim McMahan
February 10, 2008
He will truly be missed. Your Dad and Mom never failed to come say Hello to me and my wife, Jim & Cindy McMahan Past President Patrol
Jimmy Shipman
February 10, 2008
My best man at my wedding and my best friend. A special man with special friends. I will miss his physical presence immmensely, but spiritually he is still very much alive. I am his son and proud of it.
Walt Kerr
February 10, 2008
So Mote it be to a grand guy and friend.
Bill & Margaret Ann Risk
February 10, 2008
At one time we were "neighbors", one street over in Woodhaven. Margaret Ann and I have always had a special place in our hearts for Harry and Betty. He will be missed but remembered.
Jennifer & Tom Sawyer
February 10, 2008
We both grew to love both Ship & Betty in the past 36 years as sister-in-law & brother-in-law to Jimmy.
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