Lawrence Shipp

Lawrence Neely Shipp of Potosi, Missouri departed this life on July 14, 2014 at the Potosi Manor Nursing Home having reached the age of ninety five years, eight months and thirteen days. He was born on November 1, 1918 in Belgrade, Missouri a son to the late John Henry Shipp and Bessie Lillian (Henderson) Shipp.
On October 8, 1944, Larry was united in marriage to Alice Lucille Cole and they shared almost seventy years together.
Larry leaves behind his loving wife Alice Lucille Shipp of Potosi, Missouri; Five Children Catherine Hullverson and husband Tom of Phoenix, Arizona; Thomas Shipp and wife Dianne of Wildwood, Missouri; Nancy Sims and husband Nolan of O'Fallon, Missouri; Colleen Loomis and husband Clay of Kirkwood, Missouri; Cheryl Kaye Shipp of Springfield, Missouri; two brothers Henry Shipp and wife Norma of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Charlie Shipp and wife Sarah of O'Fallon, Missouri; four grandchildren Courtney Trudeau and husband Robert, Ciara Cooper, Tim Shipp and Gabe Sims; two great grandchildren Triston Trudeau and Olivia Cooper and many other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by four brothers Russell Shipp, Jesse Shipp, Bill Shipp, infant baby brother, two sisters Eunice Duty and Dorothy Baker.
Larry thrived on hard work, and was devoted to his family and country. He was a veteran of World War II, during which time he served as a flight mechanic in the Air Force. After the war, he worked as a flight assembly supervisor at McDonnell Douglas until his retirement. His real love was farming, and he was happiest spending his time at the family farm in Belgrade. Larry generously devoted his time to many charitable organizations including The Guides division of the Shriners of St. Louis, the Masonic Temple in Potosi, the Potosi Lion's Club and the Potosi Presbyterian Church.
Larry had a passion for aircrafts, and loved to tell you about the mechanics of a plane! Larry was a cattle man, an accomplished bowler, a wearer of dapper hats, a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, a chewer of Juicy Fruit gum (but only a half stick at a time. "Gotta save the other half for later!") He was a man known for his impressive thriftiness, and a teller of funny tales to his best buddies at the coffee shop in Belgrade on a Saturday morning. He possessed a wealth of homespun sayings that always made his family and friends smile. One of his favorites was "That's as nifty as a pocket on a shirt!"
Larry's family would like to thank all those friends and family members who visited him during his time at Potosi Manor. It wasn't easy for him to be confined to a nursing home, and your visits meant the world to him. We would also like to thank the staff of Potosi Manor for taking care of him.
A special thanks to Sue Jarvis for her countless acts of kindness for our family. Mere words can't express our gratitude, Sue.
Oh they tell me of a home far beyond the skies. Oh they tell me of a home so far away. Yes they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise. They tell me of an uncloudy day.
–Myrna Summers "Uncloudy Day"
Rest in peace, Larry. You are loved and missed.
Visitation will be held on July 17, 2014 at 4:30 PM – 8 PM DeClue Funeral Home, with a Masonic service starting at 7 PM. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 18, 11 Am DeClue Memorial Chapel.
Interment and final prayers will be held at the New Masonic Cemetery. Full Military Honors were provided by the United States Air Force and Local VFW Post# 6996. All arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Funeral Home.