LeRoy Shipley was born July 30, 1936 in Terre Haute to Harry Shipley and Pansy Parsons Shipley. His married his wife and childhood sweetheart, Janet Marie Holthaus Shipley, in 1955 at St. Anne’s Church in Terre Haute.

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.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in LeRoy’s memory to the Janet & LeRoy Shipley Scholarship Fund at the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, 200 South 8th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807 or by clicking below.