Kenneth Lee Shipley Sr, 74, of Springfield, Missouri, departed this life on June 4th, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 13th, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa. He is the oldest of 6 siblings. 

Following graduation from Willard High School in 1966, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He served three tours in Vietnam. He returned home in 1969 to his soon to be bride, Kathy “Drake”. 

On August 1st, 1970, Ken was united in marriage with Kathy, and they were able to celebrate 51 years of marriage together. 

After returning home from the military, Ken began working for the Railroad. He drove trains for nearly 20 years. In 1989, he changed paths and started K & K Machine Shop with his wife. He knew everything about motors and this began his passion. For 26 years he ran his own business. Eventually, he moved the business to the shop outside their home where he ran it with his son. After 26 years with his shop, retired in 2015, handing over the reins. He would come out of retirement once in a while to get his hands dirty on a motor or to help one of his kids or grandkids with car problems. 

He loved going to auctions and buying old things or even at times mystery boxes. His love of cars and tractors were brought to life when he would find an old fixer upper to restore. His tractors were his pride and joys. He enjoyed showing them off at the Fairgrounds and the Steam Engine Shows. He also had a love for flowers and trees. He took such pride in his yard and how it looked. 

Ken is survived by his wife Kathy, and their three sons: Kenneth Shipley Jr, Thomas Shipley, and James Shipley. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kenya Bradrick (Ryan) and their children Aiden and Reed; Kenny Shipley (McKenzie) and their children McCoy and Everley; Dakota Shipley; Shelby MacLaren (Jamison) and their children Isaac and Dominic; Hayley Shipley; and Amelia Shipley.  As well as, extended family members and friends. 

Ken will be sorely missed by family and friends. Visitation will be held from 6pm-8pm Wednesday, June 8th, 2022 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. Graveside services will be held at 1pm, Thursday, June 9th, 2022 at Antioch Cemetery (aka Brick Church Cemetery).