John D. ‘Johnny’ Shipman
Tue, Apr 23, 2013
John D. ‘Johnny’ Shipman, 96, of Terre Haute passed away on April 23, 2013 in Union Hospital. He was born in Chicago, IL on August 10, 1916. Johnny retired in 1965 having served in the U. S. Air Force. He also had retired from Pinkerton Security Services in 2003. His membership include Humboldt Masonic Lodge, F&AM # 42 where he was a past master; Prairieton Order of Eastern Star # 163; charter member and lifetime member of the 500 Shrine Club of Indianapolis Murat Temple; Zorah Shrine, Valley of Terre Haute; Scottish Rite; and Vigo County Past Masters Association.
He was well known for his involvement in automobile racing and was a charter member and life member # 110 of United States Auto Club (USAC); Indy 500 Old Timers Club; a founding member of the Terre Haute Quarter Midget track; for 23 years he was the assistant starter for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He also assisted ISU with their tandem bicycle and trike races since 1962 and was involved with the Newport Hill climb for over 30 years; and the Midwest Vintage Race Car Club. He was also a life member of VFW # 972; member and vice-commander of Amvets Post #2; and Voiture 21 40/8.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Shipman in February 2006, a daughter-in-law Gloria, one brother and three sisters and one nephew and step parents Kyle Bert Compton and Laura Compton. His survivors include his two sons, John A. ‘Jack’ Shipman and William D. ‘Billy’ Shipman and his fiancée Tina Slaven, six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. in DeBaun Springhill Chapel with Revs. Rusty Deckard, Brett Wilson, and Brian Lester officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park with military graveside rites by honor guards from VFW # 972 and the Indiana Air National Guard from Hulman Field. Calling will be on Thursday beginning at 3 p.m. with Humboldt Masonic Lodge memorial services at 7 p.m. Calling will also be on Friday beginning at 11:00 a.m. The family is asking that memorial contributions for Johnny be made to the Shrines Children’s Hospital or the Indiana Special Olympics. Online condolences may be offered at
www.debaunfuneralhomes.com