Richard Ray Shipley, 83, of Leesburg, passed away at 5:10 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2015, at his residence surrounded by family.

He was a 1949 graduate of Silver Lake High School, after which he enlisted in the US Air Force serving from 1951-1955. Richard was stationed in San Antonio, Texas, Great Falls, Mont., and at Andrews Air Force Base.

He worked as an artist from 1955-1973 for LM Berry and Company in Warsaw, and he was owner and broker of Shipley Area Realty in Warsaw and North Webster.  He designed many executive homes in the area and developed Brandywine Lane on the Barbee Chain of lakes.

Richard served as president of the Kosciusko County Board of Realtors and was a member of the Kosciusko County Board of Appeals. He was a member of the North Webster United Methodist Church and served as a trustee and was chairman of the pastor parish committee. He along with his wife Gloria, were youth counselors for 7 years.

He was known for his landscape designs, his love of animals and his dry sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He was born on March 2, 1931, in Silver Lake, to Carl W. Shipley and Grace (Hill) Shipley. On Sept. 9, 1951, he was married to Gloria Caroline (Baker) Shipley, who survives in Leesburg.

He also leaves behind two sisters: Patty Yoder and Bonnie Metzger, both of Warsaw; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; great-great nieces and nephews; and his dear cat: Callie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Peggy Parker; and two brothers: Jack W. and Robert Shipley.

No services are planned at this time. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw.

Memorial donations may be directed to Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice, P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, Indiana  46581-1196; Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, 3489 E. 100 S., Pierceton, IN  46562; or to North Webster Community Center Donations, P.O. Box 379, North Webster, IN 46555 and would be appreciated by his family.