Russel K. Shipley, 82, of Philipsburg, passed away July 14, 2012 at his residence.
Born on Jan. 29, 1930 in Clearfield, he was the son of Frank & Amelia (Pike) Shipley.
On Dec. 23, 1950, at the Woodland United Methodist Church, he married Donna Z. Lansberry, who survives at home. Also surviving are a daughter Dr. Peggy Zoe Shipley and her husband, Dr. Andrew Vavreck of Port Matilda, PA; a son Russel K. Shipley and his wife Dr. Ruth Howlett-Shipley of Droxford, England; a brother Richard Shipley and his wife Connie of Clearfield, PA; five grandchildren, Ryan Shipley of Smithfield, VA, Alex Vavreck of Port Matilda, Cecilia Vavreck of Port Matilda, Edward Shipley of Droxford, England and Annabel Shipley of Droxfrod, England; and a great granddaughter Abby Shipley of Smithfield, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Harold Shipley, Frank Shipley and Walter Shipley; and a sister, Dorothy Jury.
He was a 1947 graduate of Clearfield High School, where he lettered for four years in baseball. He was a graduate of the Officer’s Candidate School of the U.S. Army and a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during the Korean Conflict. He had been employed by Bell Telephone and retired as a field manager at AT&T after 35 years.
He was a 50+ year member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Philipsburg, and also a member of the church choir. He was a member of: Valley Voices, the original Philipsburg Community Chorus, the Philipsburg Rod & Gun Club, the Philipsburg American Legion, John Ashley Dennis Jr. Post 437 and was a past president of the Philipsburg Rotary. He loved fishing, hunting, trap shooting, golf, and traveling.  He enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s musical events. He also loved going to Penn State football games and was especially proud that his son, daughter and grandson were all members of the Penn State Blue Band.
A memorial service will be held at a later date and time, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Russel’s memory can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church (PO Box 465, Philipsburg, PA 16866); Valley Voices (c/o Patricia Coldiron, 236 Smith Street, Philipsburg, PA; 16866) or to the State College Area Municipal Band (c/o CRPR Offices, SCAMB Fund, 2643 Gateway Drive #1, State College PA 16801 or by visiting www.crpr.org). Online condolences may be made at www.dahlgrenfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the David K. Dahlgren Funeral Home, 228 N. Centre St. Philipsburg, PA 16866.
