Obituary of Gordon Shipp
Gordon Shipp was born January 11, 1932 in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming to Ralph and Lucile Shipp. He passed away in Tucson, Arizona on May 20, 2020 at the age of 88.
Gordon was a hard worker, starting at ten years old with paper routes, working in the potato fields in junior and senior high, and eventually in the grocery store his father managed.
He graduated as Salutatorian of his high school class, exceling in math and lettering in football, basketball, and track. Although his grades earned him a scholarship to University of Wyoming, he chose to attend Denver Business School where his soon-to-be wife was attending. In June of 1951 he and Wyona, his life-long love, were married.
In July of 1952 Gordon enlisted in the Air Force and spent four years in Active Duty and four years in the Reserves. While serving in the Reserves he also earned a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Wyoming in Electrical Engineering.
In 1959, Gordon, with Wyona, daughter Kim and son Darryl moved to Tucson to accept a position at Hughes Aircraft Company. While working, he also earned a Master’s Degree in EE at the University of Arizona. He worked for Hughes for thirty years achieving the position of Program Manager of TOW Production and Engineering Services.
Fellow employees, Army customers, family, and friends alike described Gordon as a man of integrity, honor, toughness and fairness, a true mentor. When Gordon retired, the Army hired him to oversee a production problem until it was resolved.
In 1965 Gordon and Wyona started square and round dancing and danced for over 40 years. They served on the Old Pueblo Square Dance Association Board of Directors in many capacities and helped to build the current OPSDA center on Delano and 1st Ave.
Favorite moments in the family’s memories are the times Gordon danced with Wyona in the kitchen, played with the grandkids, gave Darryl $20 for dinner so “Papa and Nana” could babysit the grandkids, advised family and friends, and made a beautiful life for everyone.
Preceding Gordon in death is his mother and father, sister Ellen, and brother Bob. Survivors include beloved wife Wyona; daughter Kim; son Darryl; grandchildren Andrew and Kevin; great-grandchildren Molli Ann, Addelyn Mae, Emmery Sue and Josephine Ruth; and brother Gary.
Memorial Service will be postponed to alleviate travel concerns at this time.
