WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Christopher David “Dave” Shipe, age 68, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday morning, March 21, 2026, at the home of his nephew in Vicksburg.
He was born December 25, 1957 in Sturgis, son of the late Richard Rex and Mary (Gundrum) Shipe. Dave was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the Class of 1976.
On September 25, 1976, he married the love of his life, Debra L. Jones at Oak Lawn Park in Sturgis. She preceded him in death on March 15, 2025.
Dave was a dedicated employee of Morgan Olson in Sturgis for over 25 years. He was a proud member of the Route 12 H.O.G. Chapter and had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and was always working on a project or two. Above all, he cherished riding his motorcycle and the freedom it brought him.
He is survived by his children: Kris Shipe of Sturgis and Bobbie Jo Marchand of Bronson; grandchildren: Collin, Tyler, Alex, Cheyanne, Alley, and Kasey; great-granddaughter: Evei; sisters: Deborah Armey and Carol (Michael) Carpenter, both of Sturgis; brother: Richard (Kathy) Shipe of Sturgis; step-brother: Paul (Cinda) Holley, Jr. of Young America, Indiana; step-sister: Patricia Rust of Grant, New Mexico; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Debra; and his brother, Donald Shipe.
In honoring Dave’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 Friday at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa Street in Sturgis, where a memorial service celebrating his life will immediately follow at 2:00.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to Hackman Family Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 9, Sturgis, MI 49091, or by visiting Dave’s tribute page at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where donations may be made to the family’s crowdfunding effort. The family also welcomes friends and relatives to share memories and condolences online.
