Herbert Thomas Shipman passed to Heaven on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the age of 86. He was devoted to God and family and dedicated to the service of his country.

Herbert was born in Asheville, North Carolina in 1931 and moved with his family as a young child to Florida. Shortly after his graduation from high school in Tampa, he was drafted into the Army. He fought in the Korean War and participated in the post-war occupation of Germany. He continued his service to the nation when he joined the US Air Force in 1958 and became a Missileer in the Strategic Air Command, and then spent the rest of his twenty-five-year career as a Special Agent in the USAF Office of Special Investigations. His distinguished OSI career included many awards and was highlighted by his leadership in breaking cases involving violent crime, fraud, theft, and counter-intelligence. Among his many military awards are the Air Force Commendation Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

A dedicated family man, Herbert was married to Vernice V. Gaskins in 1956 following his service in the US Army. Together they had three children which they raised during his Air Force career at various assignments to installations in the US and abroad. Faithful and conscientious, he demonstrated Christian values by the example of his generous, forgiving, and kind nature. Always principled, he valued justice, hence his law enforcement career. He was supportive of his family and friends, ever with wise guidance and cheerful humor.

Herbert is preceded in death by his parents Gurley and Florence, as well as, brothers Robert (Pauline) and Arthur (Diane). He leaves behind his wife, Vernice, three children, Elaine Carr (George), Susan, Ronald (Stella), and four grandchildren, Douglas and Amanda Carr, and Tristan and Simon Shipman. He is also survived by his sisters, Flora May Gray (Ray) and Marion Nickerson (Nicholas).

Herbert Shipman will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Please sign the guest book at www.bakerpostfh.com.