Marcus B. Shipman

Colonel Marcus B. Shipman died Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in New Braunfels, Texas.

Born in Vienna, he was the son of the late James A. Shipman and Mary Kate Baldwin Shipman.  He graduated with honors from Vienna High School and was selected to speak at graduation.  He was co-captain and played on two state basketball championship teams in 1956 and 1957.  The 1957 team was considered to be one of the best teams ever in Georgia.  After graduation, he attended Young Harris College and Valdosta State College on athletic scholarships.  He earned his BS Degree from Valdosta State College.  He also attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he earned his MS Degree.  In 1963, he married Nancy Jane Casey.  

He was a 29 year veteran of the United States Air Force where he became a pilot and served in Viet Nam, Greece and Spain among other assignments.  He attained the rank of Colonel and commanded at the group and wing level.  His decorations included two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals,. the Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device.  

After retiring from the Air Force, he was in charge of the Air Force Junior ROTC Unit at DeLand High School in DeLand, Florida for 10 years where he received the "Outstanding Instructor Award" 6 times.

Col. Shipman was a Baptist and served as a Deacon, taught Sunday School and coached several sports teams.

Survivors include:
Wife:  Nancy C. Shipman of New Braunfels, TX

Daughters:
Cynthia Ross of Chesapeake Beach, MD
Amy Agape (Raven) of Loveland, CO

Son:  Marcus J. Shipman (Melody) of Harvard, MA

Grandchildren:  Skylar Ross, Sydney Ross, Owen Zielinski, Grace Zielinski, Ethan Shipman and Zachary Shipman

He was preceded in death by a son, Marcus B. Shipman, Jr. in 1965.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 1 pm Saturday, April 17 in Vienna City Cemetery.  Rev. Larry Wilbanks will officiate.

Zoeller Funeral Home of New Braunfels, Texas and Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Vienna have charge of arrangements.

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