Obituary of Donald Lee Shipman, Jr

Donald Lee Shipman, Jr., age 48, passed away on Tuesday, September 22 at 8:30 a.m., after a year-long battle with a rare form of cancer, at home surrounded by his loving family that he had touched in some small way throughout his short but very memorable life. Don was born March 11, 1972 in Warren, OH, a son of Judith (Tenney) Shipman -and Donald ( Divetta) whom he leaves behind to cherish his memory along with the rest of his family: Siblings: Jessica Shipman, Jodi (Paul) McHenry, Robert (Heather) Sponsler, Chad Sponsler and Crystal Sponsler, and step-sister Tara Holbrook. He is also survived by his sons Donald (Jess) Shipman, III,  Joshua (Hadyatou) Shipman, Seth Shipman, and daughter Savana Shipman; grandchildren Carter, Jaxon, and Duke Shipman; his lifelong partner Amy Shipman, who was with him, caring for him every step of his long journey and his is loving and supportive Aunt Barb whom he was forever grateful for. Don will also be sadly missed by several nieces and nephews - Paige Mancini, Connor and Keelee McHenry, Michael and Brandon Sponsler, Dillon Lesniski and his lifelong best friends: Criddle, Donny, Joe, Nick, Phil,  Ed, Keith, and his cousin Gary who he loved to ride his Harley with. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, and his Uncle Jim who he hunted with many times, and his beloved dog Chopper. Don was a hero to his four amazing children and called his mom faithfully every morning at six am and numerous other times during the day to talk and make sure she was ok. He went to Parkersburg, WV every Thanksgiving with his Dad and stayed in the cabin his father had built. He looked forward to playing cards and hunting with his Dad and Uncle Delmas. Don believed you should always find the good in every situation and he did this with every difficult conversation he had during his journey with cancer. He was a huge Steelers fan and avid deer hunter. He enjoyed teaching his three sons about the sport. He would ride his orange Harley every chance he could. I'm most certain he rode it Tuesday.  As he would say the weather was perfect for a ride. He loved to listen to classic rock and country music. He attended Bristol School and made his career at Primetals Technologies. He spoke all the time of returning to work as a welder. He was an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump and insisted that his absentee ballot be submitted for him. Arrangements are being handled locally by Carl W. Hall Funeral Service in Warren and by Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home in WV. A private family service will be held Sunday, September 27, 2020 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home in Buckhannon. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM with the Rev. Brad Tenney officiating. Burial will follow at his final resting place on a beautiful mountaintop at Lanham Cemetery in Queens, WV. The family would like to thank Southern Care Hospice, especially Stacey and Jason; Cancer Centers of America in Philadelphia; Dr.Kazmi who gave Don and his family hope till the end.  Patriot Homecare for their continued support of Don's journey, Kelsie Chapman who helped take care of Don until the good Lord called him home. His sister Jessie who opened her loving home to take care of Don and his sister Jodi for her unending support, guidance, and compassion during Don's illness. To Don's entire family and friends, we thank for your dedication and love that Don felt every day. He always told me that he was blessed, but we all know now he most certainly is blessed as he is finally home.