Travis E. Shipley's Obituary
SHIPLEY, Travis E., age 44, born August 16, 1979, in Dayton, ended his journey on earth Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Kettering Hospital.
Travis graduated from Kettering High School in 1998. He earned an Associate's Degree in Sound Recording Technology from Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, in 2002.
Described as a “MacGyver” and a “Knowledge Seeker” by those who knew him, Travis could fix anything, from a furnace to a lawnmower, especially computers. He was eternally optimistic, never worried, highly intelligent, and always absolute in his optimism when asked if he could fix things. He became a YouTube junkie and taught himself how to fix things via the platform. Travis loved to learn how things worked. He once took an old motorcycle, stripped it down, and turned it into a super machine he rode for years.
Kind-hearted, caring, fun-loving, funny, fearless to a fault, giving, and generous. Baptized at the age of 11 years, Travis was fiercely independent, lived simply, had a big smile, and was a natural mechanic. The exception to the rule, an enigma who lived his life in his way, Travis often challenged experts and authority. Going through therapy as a teenager, his sessions frequently and humorously resulted in the therapist needing sessions for themselves. Travis declared himself a Sovereign Entity to prevent paying traffic and parking tickets.
Diagnosed at the age of 3 years with Type 1 Diabetes, Travis was given a significant challenge for his entire life. Travis made it his mission to take it in stride, learn all he could about it, and live the short years he knew he had with a carefree attitude. When he was young, he attended a diabetic camp, Camp Ko-Man-She, which he loved. He enjoyed it so much that he once said that he didn’t want a cure for diabetes to be discovered so that he could always attend that camp. After becoming an adult, he returned as a camp counselor and taught kids to manage their diabetes by giving shots and doing their blood sugar testing. Travis had become proficient at giving himself insulin shots by age 7.
His other hobbies included riding his bike and motorcycle, and reading for knowledge, never for pleasure. Travis worked for various companies and individuals throughout the Columbus and Cincinnati areas.
The family will always treasure the many family vacations while Travis grew up as a fond tradition. Among many things, he will be remembered for the way he loved and cared for people. In addition, he will also be remembered for his unique collections, from tribal hats from Africa to antique oil cans and many other unusual and interesting items that can only be described as eclectic and unique.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Edward Shipley and Mary and Clyde Pigott (of Chillicothe, Ohio) and brother-in-law, Garrett Knowlan. He is survived by his loving parents, Randy and Barbara Shipley; his sister, Megan (Mark) Jones; grandma, Jean Shipley; and nieces and nephews, Claire, Beckett, Levi, John Mark, and Jude.
The family will receive friends 11 AM - Noon Saturday, May 4, at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. A celebration of life service will immediately follow the visitation on Saturday at Noon, with a procession and a committal service at Miami Cemetery in Waynesville. The family asks that you complete a kind act to someone in Travis’ memory. In addition, and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dayton Area Diabetic Association- so that a child may attend diabetic camp. Condolences at www.connerandkoch.com.
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