Garvin Howard Shipley Jr.

Garvin H. Shipley Jr. passed away on March 9, 2018 in New Braunfels, Texas, suffering from heart complications. 

Garvin was born on July 16, 1948, to parents, Garvin Howard Shipley Sr. and Fay Nell Capps Shipley, in Freeport, Texas. He attended Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown and was a proud member of the class of 1966. In 1968, he married the love of his life, the former Cynthia Anne Malchar of Crosby.  Garvin and Cynthia would go on to enjoy 43 years of marriage before Cynthia’s passing in 2011. 

After serving as a Noncommissioned Army Officer in the Vietnam War, he returned to attend the University of Houston, earning a Bachelors of Business Administration. During his working years, Garvin served as a successful corporate executive, rising in both rank and responsibility throughout his career. In retirement, he earned his Texas Teaching Certificate and went on to teach middle school Language Arts and junior high Wood Shop. 

Garvin was a leader in the communities where he lived, serving as a parish leader and school board member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School, Crosby, Texas, and at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Oak Hill, Texas. 

While being described as a man of simple tastes, he wanted only the best for his family and relentlessly doted on his wife, kids and 6 grandkids. He was a regular fixture at countless youth sporting events, cheering on his favorite junior athletes.  He leaves behind a family that is proud to call him Dad and Papa. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife, Cynthia Anne Shipley; he is survived by his son, Jeff Shipley and wife, Susie; daughter, Meredith Beever and husband, Will; grandchildren, Katie Shipley, Matthew Shipley, Caroline Shipley, Trey Beever, Garrett Beever, and Emma Beever; brothers, Ed Shipley and wife, Gail, Doug Shipley and wife, Janice along with his beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and countless friends. 

Honoring the family as pallbearers will be Nathan Shipley, Brian Shipley, Kevin Shipley, David Malchar, Tyler Malchar, Sam Malchar, Joe Malchar, Kevin Burns, Christopher Itin, and Nolan Malchar.

The family will welcome friends from 6-8 pm on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, for a visitation at Crespo and Jirrels Funeral and Cremation Services, 6123 Garth Rd., Baytown, Texas.  A celebration of Garvin’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at 10 am in the chapel of Crespo and Jirrels Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

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