John L. Shipps
1911 – 2009
John L. Shipps, 98, of Iola, formerly of Topeka, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Windsor Place in Iola.
John was born in Centropolis, KS on June 16, 1911 the son of Joseph and Ruby (Van Briggle) Shipps. He attended school in Franklin County and later worked in the farming and milling business. John was united in marriage to Ruth Davis on April 3, 1937. In 1947 they moved to Topeka where he worked for Martin Tractor Company as a field service mechanic. They divorced in 1971. She preceded him in death in August of 2002. He moved to Iola in 1971, continuing to work for Martin Tractor Company as a parts representative until his retirement in 1978.
He married Irene Botham on June 26, 1978. She survives.
John enjoyed showing small gas engines at tractor shows around the state. He took great pleasure in driving his son's restored 1919 Moline Universal Tractor in parades in Ottawa and at Iola's Farm City Days. In October 2008 he started the Moline and drove it in the parade for the last time.
Along with his wife Irene, he is survived by a daughter Sharon Keegan and husband Bill of Topeka; his grandchildren Perry and Lea Keegan, Olathe, KS; Tracy Keegan, Topeka, KS; Bruce and Shelli Shipps, Tecumseh, KS; Brad and Jenny Shipps, Tecumseh, KS; great-grandchildren, Tricia, Cody, Addison, Kalee, Jena, Skyler and Josh.
John was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers, and three sisters and by his son, Gary B. Shipps, on June 21, 2004.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at the Valley Brook Cemetery four miles South of Overbrook, KS with Reverend Bill Tudor officiating.
The family will receive friends on Monday, August 24, 2009 at the Iola Senior Citizens Center in Iola, KS from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m.
Visitation will also be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave, in Topeka, KS.
Memorials in his name may be made to the American Diabetes Association and may be left with the funeral home.
Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel in Chanute, KS is in charge of arrangements.