Elvin Farris Shipman

Elvin Farris Shipman, Sr. of Hallett, Oklahoma went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Monday evening November 16, 2009 at his home with his family at his side at the age of 94 years. Farris was born on January 27, 1915 in Maramec, Oklahoma he was the son of Charley and Dora Ellen (Sellers) Shipman. Soon after Farris was born the family moved from Maramec to a farm near Waynesville, Missouri. They remained there a short time before returning to Oklahoma and moved to Jennings. Farris began his education in Jennings and later began helping his father at his full service gas station. As a young boy Farris helped him pump gas as well as other odd jobs. He continued helping his father at the gas station until lightning struck the gas pumps and burned the entire operation. The family then moved a short distance to Hallett. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor Farris felt compelled to enter into the service of his country. He joined the United States Army Air Force on December 20, 1942. While serving his country Farris was stationed in Manchester, England. He drove a heavy truck as well as numerous dignitaries while stationed in England. Farris was also one of the chosen drivers for Dwight D. Eisenhower. Farris said that he was one of a few that could actually find their way around England after the sun went down. Farris was aboard the Queen Mary for rest and relaxation when the news was received the war was over. He was one of the first that was discharged at the conclusion of World War II, following the war on November 17, 1945. During his time in service he obtained the following decorations and citations: the American Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal and the Victory Medal. Upon discharge Farris returned to Hallet, Oklahoma and was later united in marriage to the love of his life Thelma Elouise Robertson on January 1, 1947 in Sedan, Kansas. The couple returned to Hallett and established their initial home in Wynoka, Oklahoma. Farris gained employment at a local freight dock. The couple shortly returned to Hallett and Farris accepted a position with McDonnell Douglas in 1950. He continued working for Douglas Aircraft until 1958. At that time he opened his own business in Hallett working as a auto mechanic. That job soon turned into more than an auto mechanic because Farris could fix anything. Customers started to bring him things from scissors to be sharpened to their autos to be fixed and the customer knew that it would be done right. Mr. Shipman had many hobbies that included reading, working on small projects, as well as gardening every summer. His gardening skills were often shared with many friends and family by the fruits of his labor. Farris always instilled in his family to make education a priority since he was not able to do those things when he was younger. Survivors are his loving wife Elouise of the home, eight children Ellen and her husband Woody Orcutt, Thelma and her husband Sharky Campo, Sharon and her husband Tom Parson, Charles and his wife Dixie Shipman, Linda and her husband Jerry Shipman, Jim and his wife Peggy Shipman, Martha and her husband Steve Buntin, Michele and her husband Troy Coon; one sister Lanora and her husband Fred Davey; twenty six grandchildren, forty nine great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, nieces Charlotte and her husband Ted Peck, Judy and her husband Lyle Norton, Betty and her husband Bob Simmons, Lou Pry as well as numerous other relatives and friends that will mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by mother his Dora Ellen Shipman, father Charley Shipman, one son Elvin Shipman, Jr.; one brother Eldon Shipman, sister Opal Beaver, one grandson Scotty Buntin. In addition to his parents Farris was preceded in death by one son Elvin Shipman, Jr.; one brother Eldon Shipman, one sister Opal Beaver and a grandson Scotty Buntin. Church services will be held 2:00 pm Friday, November 20, 2009 at the Western Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Darrell Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery in Maramec, Oklahoma under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.