COLUMBUS
Marriot N. Shipley, 88, of Columbus, passed on to heaven at 2:55 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at home under the care of Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Born Dec. 13, 1926, in Blytheville, Arkansas, he was the son of Jesse and Ella Schick Shipley, both of whom preceded him in death.
On Nov. 14, 1953, in Letts, he married the love of his life, S. Christine Edwards, and she survives.
Marriot retired in 1992 from Sears, Roebuck & Co. in Columbus. He had worked in sales most of his adult life, including for Montgomery Ward and Omar Bakery, both in Columbus. His many patrons were always greeted with a warm smile and a firm handshake. He was a longtime member of Columbus First Assembly, where he served on the board, played guitar and enjoyed greeting newcomers. His friendly and positive attitude is remembered by all who crossed his path in this life.
Marriot served in the United States Army’s 4th Infantry Division as a corporal in the military police. His duty stations included Fort Benning, Georgia, and Frankfurt, Germany, from October 1950 through September 1952. He enjoyed learning about German culture and took many memorable photos while stationed there.
Marriot was a self-taught, gifted guitar player. His preferred style was that of Chet Atkins. He played from the age of 5 with his father’s accompaniment on the violin and as an adult with many different musicians. He was a member of the first musical group to play live music on the Columbus radio station WCSI. He loved playing in church and for his family most of all. Many nights, he spent lulling his children and grandchildren alike to sleep with his smooth playing.
Besides his wife, survivors include children, Pam (Dennis) Marcum of Columbus, Dan (Tammy) Shipley of Nashville and Brenda Shipley of Columbus; grandchildren, Sarah (Dr. Mike) Oakley of Syracuse, New York, and Erin Jenkins and Colin Shipley, both of of Columbus; and great-grandchildren, Sola and Remi Oakley and Madison, Taylor, Casey and Anika Jenkins.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 12 brothers and sisters and two precious great-granddaughters, Arianna and Isabella Shipley. He is now rejoicing with them all.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home in Columbus with Pastor Rick Glowacki officiating.
Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday and from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at the funeral home.
Burial will be at the Indiana Veterans Cemetery in Madison.
Memorial contributions may be made to Columbus First Assembly or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Online condolences may be made at jewellrittman.com.