Vernon Edward Shupe

Vernon Edward Shupe, 86, of Noblesville, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at home surrounded by family. Born August 14, 1938 in Elwood, Indiana, he was the son of Walter and Dorothy (Dickinson) Shupe.

 Vernon grew up in Sheridan, Indiana and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1956. He attended Indiana Business College in Indianapolis and was stationed in Ft. Hood, Texas while in the army for two years. He would often recount stories of these days, including being part of the Military Police unit that protected James Meredith in Oxford, Mississippi. While working in Indianapolis he met Tommy Jo Carter. They were united in marriage on August 20, 1966, and enjoyed 52 busy years together raising their family. Tommy passed away in November 2018.

 Vernon had a passion for farming and spent his career serving farmers in various roles. Vernon worked at Central Soya from 1957-1978 at locations in Missouri, Indiana and Ohio. In 1978 he moved the family to South Whitley, Indiana to manage Farmers Elevator until he retired in 2001. Vernon was proud to lead the Grain Dealers Association of Indiana as President in 1993 and was a long-time member of the Association where he met many friends and colleagues throughout the state. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in South Whitely and he and Tommy were active members of South Whitley United Methodist Church.

 Vernon was always smart and resourceful and found ways to work interesting jobs while still in high school. Some of his jobs included setting pins in the bowling alley so he could bowl on the weekends for free, delivering flyers door to door advertising movies so he could watch the movies himself at the theater, and driving a livestock truck from Sheridan to Indianapolis before school to make extra spending money. 

 Vernon enjoyed taking fishing trips to Canada and snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Yellowstone. He was an avid bowler, participating in leagues wherever they lived. In retirement, Vernon enjoyed golfing with friends and traveling the country with Tommy and friends in their RVs. He enjoyed exploring the country and it’s beautiful and unique places. For many years, Vernon has enjoyed spending the winters at his home in Lake Placid, Florida where he played golf and bridge with friends.

 Vernon is survived by his children, Kristine (Bob) Sullivan; Brian (Gina) Shupe; grandchildren, Colin (Brooke) Ridenour, Brooke (Chandler) Brobst, Cameron Ridenour, Natalie Shupe, Evan Shupe and Laura Shupe; great-grandchildren, Olivia Ridenour, Claire Ridenour, and Henry Brobst; brother, Donald Shupe; sisters, Janice McVey and Patsy Shelburne, and many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Vernon is preceded in death by his wife, Tommy Jo (Carter) Shupe.

 The family is planning a small, private ceremony to celebrate and remember Vernon. Memorial contributions can be made in Vernon’s name to Sheridan First Christian Church at www.sheridanfcc.org.