Donald E. Shipley

On August 19, 2025, Donald E, Shipley, 92, of Greenwell Springs, LA passed away peacefully with immediate family present there together to say their last goodbyes.

Don was born on December 27, 1932, to Charles and Evelyn Shipley in Millville, New Jersey. In his youth he enjoyed sports and went on to excel in both academics and sports. At Millville High School, he was class president, president of the National Honor Society and vice president of the Student Council. He was also a four-year lettered athlete and captain of the varsity tennis team. After graduation, he attended Rutgers University where he received a bachelor’s degree and was captain of the collegiate tennis team. From there, he attended the School of Auxiliary Medical Services at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon completion, he was granted a certificate to practice Physical Therapy.

After this achievement, he joined the United States Public Health Service. For his first assignment, he was stationed in New Orleans where he met and later married Margaret. After 5 years in New Orleans, he was transferred to the United States Public Health Service Hospital in Carville, LA. During his 22 years of service, he had several papers published in medical journals and was an international Hansen’s disease consultant in Japan, India, and Ethiopia. He was also a designated clinical instructor in Physical Therapy programs at LSU, University of Florida, Baylor University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and State University of New York at Buffalo.

Upon retirement as the Therapist Director and rank of Captain, he was recognized “for contributions leading to the reduction of disabilities in Hansen’s disease patients throughout the world and for outstanding service in the United States Public Health Service.” Throughout his life, he enjoyed playing golf, tennis, card games and most of all, loving and supporting his family. He will be remembered for his kindness, leadership, generosity, sense of humor, unflappable stoicism, and to many in the tennis community of days gone by, his magician-like tennis skills, especially the heavy topspin on his wicked left-handed slice serve.

Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret, his 3 sons, Don & wife Debbie, Jeff & wife Cheryl, Gary & wife Donise; grandchildren and step grandchildren: Tristan & wife Alex, Colton & fiancé Emily, Tyler & wife Allie, Noelle, Skyler & Christoph, Jack, Wesley & wife Clara, Shannon & husband Casey, Marissa & husband Luke. Great grandchildren and step great grandchildren: Thomas, Collins, Hunter, Chesza, Ender, Mina, Emma, Emerie, and Evan.

He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Evelyn and brother Charles.

A memorial service will be held on Friday August 29, 2025, at Magnolia United Methodist Church, 16024 Greenwell Springs, LA 70739. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The service will be at 12:00pm. The burial service will be at 2:00 PM sharp at Louisiana National Cemetery located on 303 W Mt Pleasant Zachary Rd, Zachary, LA 70791.