Claude “Shawnee’’ Ripley, 86, of Eldridge died Friday, June 16, 2023, in Eldridge.
He was born June 30, 1936, in Eldridge Mo. to Joseph Earl and Mamie Pearl Bench Ripley.
Shawnee was united in marriage with the love of his life, Dorthaia Burns on Aug. 18, 1962.
Those preceding him in death include his parents; two children in infancy, Claude Edward Jr. and Kelly Dawn; six brothers, Don, Dale, Gene, Delbert, Glen and Bobby; two sisters, Crystal McKnight and Geraldine Grozinger.
Shawnee worked as a groundsman and heavy equipment operator from 1959 until 1998. He was an active member of IBEW Local No. 2 until his death. He also pastored Trinity Full Gospel Church for 21 years. Shawnee loved farming and loved to show horses which he did in the 1970s.
He was saved and baptized in 1973. He was the pastor and a member of Trinity Full Gospel Church.
Shawnee is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Dorthaia Ripley; his daughter, Carmen Waterman and her husband Brian, and his two sons, Shawn Ripley and his wife Kay and Kelly Ripley and his wife Dana, all of Eldridge; nine grandchildren, Tyler Johnson, Samantha Calvert, Clint Bishop, Kyle Bishop and his wife Emily, Bailey Blattel and her husband Craten, Dillon Ripley, Emily Waterman, Dakota Sing and Amanda Sing; seven great grandchildren, Lynlea, Dallys, Haigen, Brixxon, Hattie, Isla and Reed; sister-in-law, Dixie Ripley of Eldridge; other relatives, church members and dear friends.
Funeral services for Shawnee Ripley were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel with Kenny Joe Moore and Kelly Ripley officiating. Burial was in Hufft Cemetery near Eldridge. Visitation for Shawnee was at 5 p.m. Monday at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel. Memorials have been suggested in memory of Shawnee to Hufft Cemetery. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, Mo. 65536.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
