Marlin D. Shipman, 65, formerly of Chariton, Iowa, passed into heaven on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at the Mercy Hospice House in Johnston, Iowa, after a brief illness.
Marlin was born on August 8, 1957, in Chariton, Iowa, to Keith D. Shipman and Ethel Barton Shipman.
Marlin’s health was compromised from a young age, but that did not keep him from finishing high school and working hard. He grew up on an acreage and always shared great memories of his homeplace and his childhood. Having never married, he dearly loved his nephew and niece and was very proud of his great-nephews. He also treasured his dogs, especially Doc, his English cocker spaniel.
Marlin worked a variety of jobs, including Hy-Vee bakery manager and bar tending in a restaurant. He also did volunteer work, such as serving at the Nature Center with the Lucas County DNR. Despite his health challenges, he worked hard and enjoyed traveling.
Marlin loved people! He could make just about anyone chuckle, and no matter what kind of day he was having pain-wise, he always cared how others were doing. Marlin never met a stranger. Doctors, nurses, delivery people, bus drivers, and friends all knew Marlin as a bright spot. He will be sorely missed!
Marlin loved to try new foods and did a lot of cooking on his own. He especially enjoyed fresh garden vegetables, bacon, and seafood. He loved fishing and westerns, MacGyver, and The A-Team.
He grew up attending First United Methodist Church on Roland Avenue in Chariton, where he enjoyed being an active member, even playing Doubting Thomas in an Easter production. Marlin served as head usher and helped with the annual rummage sale. After moving to central Iowa, he became a beloved member of Maranatha Baptist Church in Grimes. He looked forward to the annual men’s steak and corn feed and often asked a friend to that event. He loved chatting with church members and amazingly remembered the names of all he met. It was while attending Maranatha that Marlin made his faith in Christ sure. He knew the peace of trusting his loving Savior for the forgiveness of sins and is now at home in heaven. “Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” I John 4:10.
Marlin is proceeded in death by his parents and his brother Larry (Melania).
He is survived by his sister Linda Wehage (Bill) of Ankeny, nephew Andrew (Courtney) of Johnstown, Colorado, niece Jennifer (Jason) of Pleasant Hill, 4 great nephews: Jacob, Aaron, Jackson, and Wyatt, and his sister-in-law, Melania.
Marlin’s celebration of life will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Maranatha Baptist Church 877 SE 19th St, Grimes, Iowa, 50111 at 10:30 am, with Pastor Lance Augsburger officiating. There will be a luncheon to follow in the Maranatha Baptist fellowship hall. A graveside service and interment will be held the same day at Chariton Cemetery in Chariton, Iowa, at 2:00 pm, with Pastor David Hobbs officiating.
Donations in Marlin’s memory can be made to Mercy Hospice House in Johnston, Iowa, 5820 Winwood Dr., 50131.
