Melvin Shipp

Melvin Roy Shipp, recent resident of Fairfax, passed away Wednesday, February 08, 2012 at the Fairfax Manor Nursing Center. He was 85 years of age.

Melvin was born July 24, 1926 at Purcell, Oklahoma, the son of William Jasper Shipp and Flora Willie Cox Shipp. He graduated high school in Oklahoma City and finished his education while in the military.

Roy served his country during World War II and was a radiomantail gunner on the Douglas Dauntless SBD Navy dive bomber. His crews assignment was that of protecting supply ships during the war. He took Morse code during his military training and was awarded the distinction of being the top student in his class. He served his country from October 1943 to October 1945.

Roy was married to Margie Callen on March 28, 1951 in Oklahoma City. Roy was at one time employed as a computer operator for IBM and American Airlines. While living in California, Roy had worked at the famous Dodger baseball stadium. He was a member of the D.A.V. and his enjoyments included visiting with others and collecting old coins.

He is survived by one daughter Darlene Graham and husband, Dr. James Graham, of Fairfax one son, David Alan Shipp, Blanchard, Oklahoma one sister, Wanda Courtney and daughter, Florinda Courtney, of Newcastle, Oklahoma one brother, Thomas Shipp and wife, Barbara, also of Newcastle one halfsister, Nancy Shipp and one halfbrother, Billy Don Shipp, both of California six grandchildren, Justin Bush and wife, Shannon of Yale, Oklahoma, Matthew Bush of Fairfax, Joshua Shipp of Blanchard, Oklahoma, Mark Shipp and wife, Christin, Tuttle, Oklahoma, Steven Shipp of Blanchard and Shelli Cook of Oklahoma City 5 great grandchildren and several other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2012 at the HunsakerWooten Funeral Home in Fairfax with Rev. George Weston presiding. There will be no graveside service following the funeral.

Honorary casket bearers will be Justin Bush, Matthew Bush, Joshua Shipp, Mark Shipp, Steven Shipp, Shelli Cook and Dr. James Graham.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 324 South 2nd Street, Fairfax, Oklahoma 74637.