Leroy Shipley

LeRoy Shipley, 87, of Terre Haute passed away peacefully Thursday morning, September 14, 2023.  He was a retired Firefighter with the Terre Haute Fire Department. LeRoy was born July 30, 1936 in Terre Haute to Harry Shipley and Pansy Parsons Shipley. His wife, childhood sweetheart, Janet Marie Holthaus Shipley, proceeded him in death on December 29, 2020. They married in 1955 in St. Anne’s Church in Terre Haute.

Survivors include his children Treva Gallagher (Richard) of Terre Haute, Lee Shipley (Sally) of Fort Myers, FL and Troy Shipley (Teri) of Terre Haute; grandchildren, Tommy Jeffers (Kera), Troy Jeffers, Darci Hetrick (Kirk), Logan Shipley, Conner Shipley (Taylor), Landen Shipley and Paityn Shipley; great-grandchildren, Bryn Jeffers, Xander Jeffers, Maks Jeffers, Sloan Jeffers, William Jeffers, Dylan Jeffers, Ryan Jeffers, Bexlee Hetrick, Aria Hetrick, Marli Shipley and Kamri Shipley.

LeRoy was a Terre Haute Firefighter from 1964 to 1985. In that time, he was Fire Chief from 1972 to 1980; president of Indiana Firefighters Association; implemented the ambulance service through the Terre Haute Fire Department; fire station 9 and station 7 was built under LeRoy’s tenure as fire chief, and station 8 was remodeled; he was involved with numerous organizations throughout the community and state to help bring funding to the city of Terre Haute for the fire department.

LeRoy and Janet purchased property in Coalmont, Indiana where he dedicated most of his life, developing the property with “BIG MO” and turning it into a family-oriented place with a beach, playground and camping facilities for families to come and enjoy life. The “POLE BARN” was his getaway at Lake Ship-Ahoy where he and his buddies would congregate and spend all hours of the night telling stories and having a great time. LeRoy grew up with little to nothing but taught himself how to work on anything from rebuilding engines, operating heavy equipment and home construction. He started Shipley Contracting while working as a firefighter doing anything from remodels to new construction. He also helped his sons and daughter remodel their homes.

LeRoy worked hard to make a better life for him and his family, whom he loved with all his heart. In 2020 LeRoy and Janet were able to enjoy a trip to Aruba with some family members. He enjoyed dinner on the beach at sunset, walks on the beach, conversation with children and grandchildren and keeping Janet away from the iguana.

Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 30, 2023 in St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1807 Poplar Street, with Father Bob St. Martin, OFM Conv. officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled 9:00 – 11:00, Sept. 30th at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street. If so desired, friends may make memorial contributions to Janet & LeRoy Shipley scholarship fund https://wvcf.org/funds/shipley-scholarship-fund/ c/o The Wabash Valley Community Foundation, 200 S. 8th Street, Terre Haute, In 47807. Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com.