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Wade Shipman Obituary
Wade Shipman, 60, left this earth on Friday, July 3, 2015, while cycling, an activity he loved. He was born on May 16, 1955, the firstborn son of Miriam and Don Shipman, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Wade attended Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He then graduated from Northeast Missouri State University and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He served in the United States Army for 10 years where he attained the rank of Major. His duty stations included Hawaii; Yuma, Arizona; San Antonio, Texas; and Leavenworth, Kansas. His anesthesia training was at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, from 1984 to 1987. In 1989, Wade joined Mercy Hospital as a staff anesthesiologist, eventually becoming the Medical Director of the Seminole Surgery Center and the Montclair Surgery Center. He was a member of the American Society of Anesthesiology and the Missouri Society of Anesthesiology.
Wade married his beloved wife Shanne Laman Shipman, and together they moved to Springfield, Missouri, in 1987. Their daughter, Cara Renae, was born in 1991. Wade was a devoted family man whose love for Shanne and Cara was unyielding. He was a hands-on dad from the day Cara was born, and he adored her beyond measure. Wade's other passions included his extended family, his friends, his colleagues, his patients, his church, and the outdoors. Wade always said he felt blessed to have his job, and he was named a 417 Magazine "Top Doctor" for many years. He was a member of Highland Springs Country Club and an avid cyclist, hunter, and fisherman. He especially loved bird hunting with his cherished German Shorthair Pointers, Bella and Suzy. Wade recently purchased a farm in Kansas and was discovering a newfound enthusiasm for farming. He was a member of King's Way United Methodist Church and in the last 10 years, had experienced a period of amazing spiritual growth. He was continually grateful to God for the many blessings in his life.
Wade was preceded in death by his father, Don H. Shipman; first wife of six years, Sharon Shipman; in-laws, Brenda and Jerry Laman; and sister-in-law, Hope Laman. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Shanne; daughter, Cara; mother, Miriam Shipman; siblings Leslee Grabe and Todd Shipman; brother-in-law, Brad Bernstein; sister-in-law, Gaye Laman; nephew, Dustin Grabe; nieces Megan Wright (Andy) and Savannah Conley (Patrick); and great-nieces and nephews, Jonah Grabe, Harper Wright, Wyatt Wright, and Georgi Conley.
Wade was generous and selfless, always putting the needs of those around him before his own. Those who knew him will miss Wade's sense of humor, his ability to pull a prank, his eternal optimism, his compassion for others, his enthusiasm for life, and his unfaltering devotion to faith, family, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7, from 6-8 p.m. in the chapel at King's Way United Methodist Church, Springfield, MO. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 8, at 1 p.m. at King's Way. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to King's Way United Methodist Church or the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri.
Funeral services under the direction of Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wade Shipman
Jim Gessler
June 30, 2023
Wade's enthusiasm and caring spirit were infectious. He was a great friend and co-worker. I still think of frequently.
Sr. Richard Mary Burke
June 30, 2020
Shanne and Cara, you are held gently in heart and prayers as we continue to celebrate In memory the sacred life of Wade. Thank you for keeping his spirit and passions alive by your own lives of loving presence and service to so many. He is remembered daily by those with whom he served. Blessings, Sr. Richard Mary, RSM
frank cornella
July 12, 2015
As an oral maxillofacial surgeon on the St. Johns/Mercy Medical Staff I had the pleasure of working with Dr.Shipman on many occasions. Even when he was not helping my patient he never failed to greet me and ask in a sincere manner how things were going. A stellar person to work with. I will miss seeing him around the OR.
July 10, 2015
Shanne and Cara, you have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. We have found in times of loss that we find help from the 3 F's - Faith, Family and Friends. We pray you will be surrounded by these as you grieve the loss of Wade, whose life was one that touched so many.
The Blues - Martha, James, Ty and Keyes
Ricc Dietzman
July 9, 2015
What a wonderful gift you were to your friends and family as well as your many patients. We know our pains will lesson over time, when they do, out hearts can except and cherish the many joyous memories you gave. Thank you so, for being in our lives, and touching those most close to you.
Shanne, Cara, Mariam, Todd, and Leslie my thoughts are with you.
July 8, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Shipman. I was a nurse anesthesia student at Mercy Hospital, graduating in 1990, worked with him frequently and learned a lot from him. He was so enthusiastic and a great mentor with a great passion for life. I am sure he touched many lives as well as mine.
Mary Wynn Johnson
July 8, 2015
We knew Wade from undergrad and at Kirksville where he & John were classmates. He always had a smile and a kind word. We met several years ago when your daughter was very small for lunch at Cheddars. We are so sorry for your great loss and will be remembering all of you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
John & Becky Sawicki
July 8, 2015
Dr. Wade Shipman,
Thank you for your Ministry at Mercy Hospital.You will be greatly missed.
May God Welcome you into His Home and comfort your family.My prayer are with you all.
Sr Elizabeth Bui-Thi-Nghia RSM
Krista Ragsdale
July 8, 2015
Such a tragic loss of an amazing human being. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Bill and Jean Lewis
July 7, 2015
Wade was a very warm, sincere and caring individual. I knew Wade when he aas a student at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Mo where he graduated as a D.O. To me Wade will be always be remembered with his signature bright smile. Your father and husband was a uniquely gifted man with many honorable traits. Please accept our sincerest condolences on your loss. Bill (a friend) and Jean Lewis -(Mercy Library staff.)
Amy Barnts RN
July 7, 2015
Dr Shipman will be greatly missed. I worked with him in the early 1990's and later he has been my anesthesiologist for a couple of surgeries (I wouldn't want anyone else) I feel privileged to have known him and am so very sorry for your loss :(
Gregg Smith
July 7, 2015
Shanne an Cara you all are in my thoughts and prayes. Shanne i met you at Bob Sloans birthday lunch, im so sorry for your loss, I know Wade was a true friend to Bob, i met Wade a few years back at the RV show in Springfield i pray god will give you the strength you need.
Reba Claspill
July 7, 2015
Shanne, so sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless and your family.
Beverly Spilman
July 7, 2015
Thinking of all of the Shipman family during this difficult time. I taught with Miriam in the business dept at Jefferson a couple years ago. Daily we discussed our children/grandchildren. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dewey Bakken
July 7, 2015
My sincere sympathies to the entire Shipman family from a friend.
CAROLYN HILTON
July 7, 2015
I WAS A PATIENT OF DR SHIPMAN WHEN HE FIRST STARTED AND I JUST LOVED HIM, HE WAS SO KIND AND GENTLE AND NEVER STOPPED BEING THAT WAY. I STILL WORK AT MERCY HSP. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND AS YOU GO THRU THESE SAD DAYS.
Steve "Cogs" Caldwell
July 7, 2015
Sorry to hear of Wade's passing. He was a great friend and fraternity brother in college. We were roommates in the old TKE house in the 1976 spring semester. Condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Lori Madison
July 7, 2015
Sincere condolence's to Dr Shipman's family. I had the pleasure of working with him years ago when he first came to Springfield. He was always the kindest Dr I had ever worked for. He was devoted to his work, and upmost care of his patients. he will be sorely missed.
Jim Gessler
July 7, 2015
Wade had a smile and a good word for everyone. He will be missed.
Bev Amoroso
July 7, 2015
Sincere condolences, Miriam, to you and your son's family in this time of grave sorrow.
Cindy Hall
July 6, 2015
It was such a pleasure and honor to have worked with Dr. Shipman; kind, compassionate with a smile for everyone. Deepest sympathy to the family.
Scott Atkinson
July 6, 2015
The kind of doctor you are lucky to have if you need care. The kind of colleague whose excellence and integrity you can always count on. The kind of man who is an example to us all through his positive outlook on life. He will be sorely missed.
Valerie
July 6, 2015
Dr Shipman was a bright spot in my day when he'd come in to my place of employment. He will be truly missed by all those who knew him.
Anjie Gifford
July 6, 2015
God called home an angel that will truly be missed but what a blessing it has been to have him in our lives for just a blink of an eye. He will be missed but we will see him again as he greets us in paradise. It is hard but to know he is next God helps to sooth the sorrow. Anjie Gifford
Tom Randolph
July 6, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Love you guys!
Kelly
July 6, 2015
I saw Dr. Shipman as a patient early on in his time at Mercy. He was kind, compassionate and funny. He told my husband (who is a nurse) that he could stay while Dr. Shipman gave me my lumbar injection--that it was "see one, do one, teach one". He gave me great care and much needed relief from pain, but I most remember his great bedside manner and interpersonal skills. He will be sorely missed by the many, many lives he touched.
May God comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Lisa Pilkington
July 6, 2015
Great guy to work with! so compassionate with patients. He will be missed
Cathy Williams
July 6, 2015
My heart breaks for Shanne and Cara. He was a great person to work for. Cathy Williams
Craig Smith
July 6, 2015
A man we should all emulate. The world was a better place because of him, and is left weeping at his loss.
Curt Ballard
July 6, 2015
Shanne, Cara, Miriam, & Shipman Family. Wade was an awesome man of integrity. Always found time for everyone when he came to see his Mom at The Gardens. Always a word of encouragement for the staff. Your in our thoughts and Prayers.
Craig & Mary Bills
July 6, 2015
Wade was an amazing person, he always took time to help others, we shared a lot in common, we had some interesting conversations about life. Wade was looking forward to retirement and spending time on the farm, he loved the outdoors. I will always cherish the years I knew Wade, his humor, his dedication, his integrity and most of all his ongoing friendship. I cherish those great memories! Shanne and Cara, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sorry for your loss.
July 6, 2015
Dear Loved Ones of Dr. Shipman, all of the Sisters of Mercy extend our deepest sympathy and promise of special prayers and remembrance at this time. May you always know how dearly he loved each of you. Blessings and prayers, Sr. Richard Mary
Ralph Bethea
July 6, 2015
Shanne, Cara, I'm so sorry for your loss. Wade was an incredible man and an incredible friend. Words cannot say what he meant to our Anesthesia group. He truly was a cornerstone and a man that I always looked up to.
Tracy Hill
July 6, 2015
Shanne and Cara, my heart aches for your loss. What an amazing husband and father Wade was. His genuine interest in those around him was evident in everything he said and did. Will be thinking of your family.
Denise, Loren and Meghin Morris
July 6, 2015
Shanne and Cara-we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Dickey
July 6, 2015
Wade was truly one of the most devoted father and husband I have had the pleasure knowing. He was so genuine, caring and had a huge heart to anyone he crossed paths with. I will forever be greatful for his friendship.
July 6, 2015
Dear Shanne, Cara, Aunt Miriam, Leslee, Todd and the Shipman Family: We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers. God Bless you all. Sincerely, Jeff, Jill, and Sarah Stahl, Paris, Illinois
July 6, 2015
Great teacher and well respected. I babysat Cara when in anesthesia school. Awesome family. Prayers from Idaho.
Wendi Liebhart Richardson
Lisa (Baker) McDunner
July 6, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great loss. It has been a while since I worked with Dr. Shipman at St. Johns, but I hold him in the highest regard as a person and as an physician. Take comfort in the fact he was so well respected and loved.
Marcia Piper (Harper)
July 6, 2015
Your sense of humor and kindness made the world a brighter place.
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Funeral services provided by:
Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc. - Springfield1947 East Seminole Street, Springfield, MO 65804
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