Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Shipman Obituary
October 19, 1947 - June 14, 2023
Overland Park, Kansas - Robert H. Shipman Jr., D.V.M., passed away peacefully on June 14, 2023, at his home in rural Overland Park, Kansas, surrounded by his wife, all of his six children, and his pets. Rob was born October 19, 1947, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Robert and Josephine (Joann) Shipman. He married his wife, Kathryn (Kate), in Overland Park on May 30, 1970.
Rob spent his childhood in Marysville, Kansas. He contemplated the priesthood, attending Saint John Vianney Seminary in Nebraska in his early high school years, before returning to Marysville and graduating from Marysville High School in 1965. He attended the University of Kansas where he graduated with a B.S. in Zoology in 1970. He then attended Kansas State University, Department of Chemical Engineering, where he obtained his masters. While continuing his research in chemical engineering, he attended veterinary school, graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1977.
While Rob possessed an expansive and complex mind, his heart and soul were simple and good. Upon graduation from veterinary school, he was faced with the decision to either pursue a career in chemical engineering, where his research by then had become internationally recognized, and leave the Midwest, or to pursue what he felt was truly his vocation: the practice of veterinary medicine, and remain in Kansas. He chose the practice of veterinary medicine.
For forty-six years he joyfully cared for cats, dogs, and wildlife at his small animal hospital in Topeka.
Rob was an Eagle Scout and a Scoutmaster. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of Kansas Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Medical Association. He was an avid cyclist, participating in Bike Across Kansas many times. He loved ocean kayaking and trekking about Mount Desert Island, Maine, with his family.
Rob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mark. Survivors include his wife, and children, Bobby, daughter in-law Molly, Casey, Molly, Erin, Adam, Jayne, and son in-law Amaury and his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Requiem Mass will be held Monday, June 19, 2023 at 10:30 am at St Gregory's Catholic Church in Marysville . A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 16, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Kay McFarland Japanese Garden in Topeka.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to N.E. Kansas Wildlife Rescue, PO Box 312, Silverlake, Kansas, 66539.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Shipman
Sponsored by Kansas City Star.
Jan Williams
June 12, 2025
Thinking of Kate & their children on this sad day of remembrance.
Jan williams
June 12, 2024
I miss my favorite vet and friend, Rob Shipman and his lovely wife, Kate. Thinking of both of you today.
Deborah Stern
October 7, 2023
We just learned of Dr. Shipman´s passing this week when we called to make an appointment for our lab, Betsy. We are so sad and words cannot adequately express how much we will miss this kind soul who was part of our family for over 40 years. What a tremendous loss. May Rob rest in peace. Our dogs looked forward to their visits with this expert in keeping our pets healthy and helping them transition in death. How fortunate we were to know him.
With love,
Deborah and Peter Stern
Jim and Gail Eyman
October 3, 2023
Dr. Shipman was a wonderful man and awesome veterinarian. He took great care of our several dogs and cats. His care of wild animals was also a great asset to the community. He is greatly missed! We are so sorry for your loss.
Patty Flower
September 21, 2023
I just found out today of Dr. Shipman's passing. It was quite a shock, and I am grieving deeply. I have taken all my pets to Dr. Shipman since 1977. He was the best vet in Topeka for so many decades. He always had a smile on his face to greet you, and always had such compassion for all animals and people. His knowledge was so vast, that I always had total confidence in his diagnosis and treatments. I will always miss him. Loving thoughts and prayers to the family.
Anne davis
September 2, 2023
Robert shipman was a very loving and caring veterinarian so sorry for his family Anne davis Topeka ks
E. A. Green
July 12, 2023
Dr. Shipman was vet to my two dogs for quite a few years. He was always kind and compassionate which I cannot say for all vets I have had. He was tops in his field too. I will miss his expertise very much. There are too few as good as he was. A loss to all of us! I celebrate his life with his family - he was a wonderful human being.
Jim and Shirley Martin
July 11, 2023
We just learned of Dr Shipman´s passing. He was such a special veterinarian that truly treated our fur babies as our children. When our daughter wanted to explore the possibility of attending veterinary school, he let her spend the summer volunteering in his clinic watching and assisting with surgeries. While she didn´t choose to go to vet school, he never failed to ask about her and follow her career as she pursued the pharmacy profession. He will be missed.
Ronda Shipman Owens Family
July 5, 2023
Robby was our cousin. We looked forward to coming to Marysville when we were young to visit him, his parents, and his brother. We had such great times. He had pets in the house and he especially loved dogs. He will truly be missed. We are with his family at this time of sorrow.
Cindy and Rocky O'Donnell
June 30, 2023
I just found out today of Dr. Shipman's passing. We are so sad to hear. He was an amazing veterinarian and kind man. He has taken care of our fur babies and various wildlife injuries since the '80s. He seemed to really enjoy his work. We will miss him and his kindness. God bless!
Jan Williams
June 28, 2023
I am saddened to learn of "Doc" Shipman´s passing. For over 45 years, he took such excellent care of our pets. He was so proud of his family and when I´d have an appointment to take my pet in for an examination, he would bring me up to date on the goings on with his family.
Thank you, Dr. Shipman for your dedication and compassion in treating our beloved pets.
My sincere condolences to Kate and family.
Jan Williams
Rick Wempe
June 23, 2023
So sorry to learn of Rob's passing. He was a fun playmate during grade school years...the family was nearby neighbors. My condolences, Kate
Larry Fischer DVM
June 23, 2023
The epitome of a good man as well as a consummate veterinarian...
Larry Fischer DVM
June 23, 2023
Robert exhibited the highest ethical behavior in veterinary medicine. The was, in sum, a good man. He will be missed. Condolences to his family from all the employees at Western Hills Veterinary Clinic. Respectfully, Larry Fischer DVM, and staff.....
Shirley Fouse, DVM
June 22, 2023
So very saddened by Dr. Shipman's illness and passing. His stories, work ethic and professional conduct were always a source of inspiration.
Dr. Debbie Anderson
June 21, 2023
I was saddened to hear about Rob´s passing. My condolences to Kate and family and prayers for them as they find comfort in the memories of a life well lived.
Kathryn A. Nelson
June 20, 2023
I have known Dr. Shipman since the early 70´s when he started with Dr. Bradberry on Gage. He was the BEST and will be deeply missed.
Patti Sweet
June 19, 2023
Wow! I didn't know about most of his incredible history! I just knew him as my small animal vet for at least 40 years! He took great care of so many of my pets, several from beginning to end. I will definitely miss his happy smiles and empathy. Thank you Dr Shipman.
Leon Conner
June 19, 2023
He was a great man, a great person, and a great veterinarian. He has helped me a lot. I will be forever grateful, and will miss him a lot.
Amy Rosenberg
June 18, 2023
Dr. Shipman gave me my first full time job and I loved working at the vet office. I also loved playing with all the kids and being neighbors. I´m very sorry for your loss. Love to Kate and everyone. - Amy Rosenberg
Coleen Karten
June 17, 2023
Dr. Shipman cared for my babies, kitties and doggies. I got to visit with him for a few minutes last summer when I was back home. I had a trip planned in July coming up and just changed my flight to come in days earlier so I could be at his celebration of life. I will never forget his caring nature and how honestly loving and caring he was with my fur kids. My prayers are with his family, we all share in the grief of losing such a kind, caring soul. He has entered God's eternal home and is our Angel from above. My heart is
Jamie, Francie & Deuce Dewell
June 17, 2023
Our condolences and prayers for Doc's family. Doc is truly good people. He was our vet for 20 years. Having grown up on a small farm and working animals, he impressed me with his knowledge, skill, and the love he invested in the animals he treated. I have great respect for Dr. Shipman. God bless.
Barbara Strecker-Gaudreau
June 17, 2023
I don´t even know what to say to honor Shipman!! He was caring, personable, knowledgeable and such an amazing man!! We always knew if Shipman was caring for our animals, they were being loved and treated with the upmost care!! We´ve known Shipman since 1978 and he was a part of our loving "family" that cared for our pets! Heaven now has a true Saint!!!!
Marcia Kemper
June 17, 2023
I am awfully saddened to hear this. Dr. Shipman cared for my pets since the 1980s. Don´t know what we´ll do without him.
Marcia Gutierrez
June 17, 2023
My sympathies to Dr Shipman's family & staff. He was such a caring vet, especially when it was time for our 3 Pekingese to cross the Rainbow bridge. He will be missed. God bless him! He for sure gained his wings. Prayers for strength to his family & friends.
Tom Rigg
June 17, 2023
For thirty-five of the forty-seven years Rob was a veterinarian, he took care of our dogs; Duchess, Duchess II, Zoe,and now Marley. When we would dog sit our son's yellow Lab, Abby, while he was on extended deployments with the Air Force, we would make sure that her shots by getting them done at Gage Animal Hospital. Rob's demeanor and understanding of our concern for each of those yellow Labs was exactly Rob's concern. Oh yes, he started off being Dr. Shipman, but soon it was just Rob, but with the same respect for his profession. Rob was every pets friend and likewise their families. We will miss you greatly, my friend. I trust that when you crossed the Rainbow Bridge, there were hundreds of our pets, now gone, who great you to thank you for all you did for them.
RIP, my friend, until we meet again.
Tracy Paige
June 17, 2023
Dr Shipman was a very kind sole and wonderful with the animals. He definitely spent his life right where he belonged and we are all so thankful for the wonderful care he provided for our 4 legged family members. He will truly be missed.
Martha Thomas
June 17, 2023
He will be greatly missed. He took care of my animals for over 20 years. I always felt he had a good heart and cared for all my animals as if they were his.
Angela Jacobs
June 17, 2023
Sorry to hear about dr,shipman,he will be miss he was a good person and vet,angie and steve jacobs
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Shipman's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Shipman
Funeral services provided by:
Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri - Overland Park14553 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66223
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Shipman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
