Thomas L. Shupe

Thomas L. Shupe, 83, of Clarion passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center in Clarion.

Memorial graveside services for Thomas Shupe will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Thomas Leroy Shupe was born February 6, 1933 in Clarion, Iowa to C. Leroy and Lucy (Thomas) Shupe.

Thomas attended and graduated from Clarion High School and Iowa State University in 1959 where he studied mechanical engineering. He worked for McDonnell Douglas in the aerospace and aviation industry his entire career, and assisted with the design and production of the first space shuttle. McDonnell Douglas eventually merged with Rockwell International, and later Boeing, from which Thomas retired.

Thomas served in the United States Army from October of 1953 until October of 1956.

Thomas was united in marriage to Betty Vankley in 1955. To this union, children Tamara and Thomas were born. The couple later divorced and Thomas was united in marriage to Rose Mary (Martin) Booth on May 20, 1976.

Thomas resided in California and Arizona, until he and Rose Mary retired to Mountain View, Arkansas where they enjoyed milder winters and close friends. Thomas returned to Clarion in 2013.

While living in Mountain View, Thomas was an active member of Foothills Baptist Church.

Thomas was an accomplished woodworker, having made numerous small furniture pieces and wooden bowls. He also created stained glass lamps, and was an avid reader. He was seldom seen without his Kindle.

Thomas is survived by his son, Tom Shupe of Culver City, California; step-children Richard Booth and wife Teresa and Pamela Brace; grandchildren James Quinlan, Angela Hanson, Brenda Hanson, Hailey Brace and Shianne Getty; and brother Melvin Shupe.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rose Mary in April of 2015, and daughter Tamara Hanson.