Don LeRoy Shipman, 86, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, at his home.

Don was born on August 1, 1939, in Wauwatosa, Wis., to the late Leonard James Shipman and Dorothy Fehr Arkwright. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in 1960 and serving honorably for 11 years.

A man of many interests, Don found joy in music and was talented in playing both the piano and guitar. He also enjoyed bowling and spending time flying model airplanes.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 65 years, Linda Sue Hanna Shipman; daughter, Paige Macemore (Jay Lee); daughter, Lori Shuback; daughter, Allison Malles; son, Don LeRoy Shipman II (Kathleen); daughter, Mandi Efird (David); grandchildren, Brandon Opheim (Samantha), Justin Shipman, Devin Smith, Megan Malles, Daniel Shipman, Aaron Malles (Stephanie), Natalie Malles and Michael Efird (Shelly); great-grandchildren, Lukas Opheim, Blake Opheim, Sawyer Malles, Anderson Malles and Sloane Malles.

Don is further survived by seven brothers, Larry Shipman (Jennifer), Lynn Gilkey (Kathy), William “Billy” Shipman (Patricia), Dale Arkwright (Sandy), Timothy Arkwright (Kathy), Dennis Arkwright (Rosemary) and Chris Arkwright; two sisters, Mary Arkwright Artley and Nancy Arkwright Wormwood; and a sister-in-law, Sharon Smith.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by two of his sons-in-law, Charles “Chuck” Shuback and Edward Malles; one brother, Richard “Dick” Smith; and one sister, Susan Shipman.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Charis Community Church with Rev. Dale Morrow officiating. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 1 until 2 p.m.

Arrangements for Mr. Shipman are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.