Delona Shiplett

Delona (Pappy) Shiplett, 97, of Waco, passed away Monday July 22, 2019, surrounded by his family. Graveside services will be 10 am Thursday July 25, at Waco Memorial Park, 6623 S I 35, with Larry Reynolds officiating. The family will receive visitors from 5-7 pm Wednesday July 24, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr. Waco.

Delona was born October 10, 1921 to William and Ada (Mink) Shiplett. He served his country in the Army from 1941-1945 during World War II as Military Police in Japan and then the Pacific area in Hawaii. He began a 40 year teaching career in 1949, after graduating with Master Degrees in English and Religion from Baylor. Delona married Alyda M. Groth on January 28, 1950 at Memorial Baptist Church in Waco and they enjoyed 69 wonderful years together. They were blessed with two children, Darrell and Cheryl. He has been a member of Western Heights Church since 1961. Delona enjoyed painting, gardening and being with family, as well as bible school and area small churches.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Clona, Leona, William, Vira Ellen Berryman, and Ann Cavaness.

Delona is survived by his wife Alyda; children, Darrell Shiplett and wife Cheryl Rebecca, and Cheryl Tucker and husband Johnny; brother, Francis and wife Deana; grandchildren, Jarrod Shiplett and wife Suly, Karmae Shiplett, Travis Tucker and wife Karla, Shane Tucker and fiancé Amy, and Holly Tucker; great-grandchild, Joseph, and many nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Dementia Foundation, your favorite bible school program, or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Bluebonnet Hospice and Visiting Angels.