Robert E. Shipley

Mr. Robert Edwin Shipley, age 80, of Flora, Illinois, died at 6:15 p.m., April 23, 2015, at Good Samaritan Regional Healthcare Center in Mt. Vernon, IL.   Robert was born on March 15, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri to Robert V. and Alice E. (Stanford) Shipley.   Bob graduated high school in 1953, from Harter Township Schools.   Bob’s parents owned and operated the DeLuxe Café in Flora.   During high school and for a short time after, Bob helped out at the Café until he was called to serve in the United States Army in 1955.  After Bob’s honorable discharge from the military, he attended Vincennes University where he received his Associate’s Degree.   He then attended Eastern Illinois University for some time.  On February 26, 1967, Bob married Marilyn Elaine Farmer in Flora, IL, and would go on to be married for 48 very happy years.   After college, Bob started working for the State of Illinois, where he was responsible for the landscaping being planted along Route 50 and other state roadways.   Bob eventually ended up taking a position with the city of Flora, where he worked for many years, in various departments, until his health no longer permitted in 1988.  In addition to his work outside of the home, Bob & Marilyn cared for 80 plus children in their loving home for over 20 years.  Bob has been a long time, faithful member of Bethlehem Christian Church in Flora, where he attended regularly with his wife Marilyn.   Bob was also a member of Flora Masonic Lodge #204, as well as, the Flora Elks Lodge #1659.   Bob was also very involved and connected with the Democratic Party, where he was an active committee member and supporter throughout his life.   Bob was especially an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and his beloved Fighting Illini.   He rarely missed a game.   Above all, Bob loved and cherished his family.   He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who will be sadly missed.  

Mr. Shipley is survived by his wife Marilyn Shipley of Flora, 1 daughter; Heather Lynette Durre and husband Dallas of Flora, 3 grandchildren; Roman, Mason and Landon, and 1 brother Gerald Shipley of Howell, Michigan.  Robert was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be held graveside at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Clay City, on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., with full military rites accorded.  Friends may call from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Kohn Funeral Home.  Masonic rites will be accorded at 8:45 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Kohn Funeral Home.   Expressions of sympathy should take the form of donations to Oil Belt Christian Service Camp in Flora or the Flora Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center Activity Fund and may be received at the funeral home.   Online condolences may be expressed at www.kohnfuneralhome.com.

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