Fred Shimps

Fred Shimps, 86, Indiana passed away peacefully on June 10, 2015 at the Indiana Regional Medical Center with his family at his side. He was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Bosich) Shimps and was born July 16, 1928 in Coral, PA. Mr. Shimps was a member of St. Thomas Moore Parish, lifetime member of VFW Post #1989, the American Legion Post #0493, Disabled American Chapter, Indiana #20 and the UMWA Local 1412 (1619). Fred enjoyed hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, traveling, drawing and his grandchildren. He retired from the Army in 1972 after 21 years of service. Serving from 1950-1972. He served four tours in Germany and one tour in Vietnam with the 313th Radio Research Battalion in Nha-Trang. His decorations include: five Good Conduct Medals, Occupation of Germany Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam campaign medal and a Bronze Star. Mr. Shimps also retired from Helen Mining Co. where he worked for 20 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Erika (Maier) Shimps; children, Ingrid (Shimps) Strayer and husband Mark, Bethel Park, PA; Mary (Shimps) McIntyre and husband Bill, Springfield, VA; Barbara (Shimps) Crum and husband Mike, Fort Wright, KY and Fred Shimps and wife Michelle, Blairsville, PA. Mr. Shimps is also survived by eight grandchildren, Chris, Jason, Erin, Scott, Jennifer, Daniel, Meghan and Corey and seven great grandchildren, Jacob, Molly, Jena, Leila, Kathryn, Ethan, Griffin and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving him are brother Martin Shimps and wife Annabelle, Blairsville; and sisters, Delores (Shimps) Markert, Coral, PA; and Carol (Shimps) Sarnosky and husband Charles, Warren, OH. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Tom and wife Mary; Billy and wife Bernice; brother-in-law Harry Markert and sister-in-law, Annze Shimps. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 19, 2015 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish (Coral Site) with Father William Lechnar as celebrant. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia at a later date. The family requests memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to: VNA of Indiana County Hospice 850 Hospital Road, Suite 300 Indiana, PA 15701