Darrel Shipley

Darrel E. Shipley, 81, of State Center, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Des Moines. A private graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Lamoille, with military honors provided by the combined VFW/American Legion Honor Guard of the surrounding area. Darrel’s family has extended an invitation for those wishing to honor him to virtually attend the livestream Facebook service for First Presbyterian Church in State Center on Sunday, December 27 at 10:30 A.M.  Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Darrel and his family. For additional questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Born Darrel Elton Shipley, he was fondly known by those closest to him as “Puff.”  Darrel came into the world on February 12, 1939 in Millerton, Iowa to parents Cloe and Sophie (Vajgrt) Shipley. After attending country church school, his family relocated to State Center, where he graduated from high school in 1957. Darrel honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1958-1960, as well as the United States Army Reserve.   On June 11, 1966 Darrel was united in marriage to Mary “Kathleen” Shuler.  Together they raised 3 children and were married 31 years before her passing in 1997. Darrel began his career as a farmer and eventually owned and operated his own truck dealership, S.T.P. Used Cars and Trucks. Darrel loved anything with an engine and was a very talented mechanic.  Early on, he enjoyed racing cars and later watching his son follow in his footsteps. Darrel loved Oliver and Ford tractors, old wagons and other antique vehicles – the older, the better.  He and his family enjoyed truck and tractor pulling and he served several years as the president of the Central Iowa Truck Pulling Association. Darrel was a lifetime member of the NRA and liked collecting guns.Darrel will be deeply missed by his family, who meant the world to him. He was everyone’s grandpa, whether they were related or not. He could win any argument with his unquestionable common sense and was well-known for his elaborate storytelling abilities and charm. Darrel had a strong faith and was officially the oldest member of First Presbyterian Church in State Center. Left to cherish his memory are his children: Wayne (Kim) Shipley and Amy Shipley; grandchildren: Aaron (Amber) Shipley, Jordan (Brandon) Mason, Jillian Shipley, Mitchell (Samantha) Paxton, Stephen Paxton, Nicolas Paxton, Jesse Cooper (Sarah Smart) and Elishia Cooper (Adam Hagel); great-grandchildren: Addisyn, Aubrey, Abram and Abel Shipley, Payton Paxton, Chayton Cooper and Jayliah, Khaleesi and Layliahna Hagel; sister Betty Ann Douglas; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Darrel is preceded in death by his loving wife, Kathleen; his son, Patrick Mark Shipley; his parents; sister Donna Eggers; and his brothers, Cloe Dean and Tommy Shipley.