Eugene N. Chipman Sr., 94, peacefully passed away with his loving family by his bedside at 5:23 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at Miller’s Senior Living Community in Plymouth.Born in Plymouth, Indiana on December 1, 1927, Eugene was the son of Emily (Nelson) and Albert Byron Chipman Sr. He attended Lincoln High School but graduated from Culver Military Academy with the Class of 1945. While at CMA, he was chosen as Captain of the Basketball and Track Teams. Eugene would then attend the University of Michigan from 1945-1946 until he was awarded an Appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. While at the Naval Academy, he was selected as the Captain of the Crew Team and in 1950, was chosen as an All- American Crew Team Member.
As a Midshipman at the Naval Academy, Gene met his future bride, Ida Bell Hardin on a blind date. Their unforgettable June 1950 wedding was featured in national magazines as the Woodbury Bride of the Month. Ida was, and always will be “My Bride, Forever”.
After graduation in 1950 from the USNA with an Electrical Engineering Degree, Gene’s first assignment was the Naval Academy’s Assistant Crew Coach in Annapolis. He then was assigned to the USS Vogelgesang out of Norfolk, Virginia until 1951. Eugene was then selected to start Naval Flight School in Pensacola Florida and received his Naval Wings of Gold in 1952 where he flew multi-engine aircraft. After fulfilling his commitment to the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander, and with a growing family, Gene enrolled in the Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington. The goal was to practice law with his father, Albert. He attained that goal in 1959 and settled back in Plymouth for the remainder of his life. He would often say he wanted to live nowhere else.
Eugene served in many capacities as a Lawyer: an elected Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney; an appointed County Attorney, an Attorney for countless boards and commissions; private practice; and Judge of the Indiana Court of Appeals in Indianapolis. Chip resigned from the Indiana Court of Appeals as his goal then was to practice Law with his son, Nelson – just as his father had done with him over two decades earlier. He attained that goal in 1981.
Throughout his career, Chip held leadership positions in numerous organizations devoted to the improvement of legal services provided to the public. He also relished lecturing to law school students about demonstrative evidence in the courtroom— the objective always being to improve. He was responsible for, and most proud of, recruiting young and later prestigious lawyers to the community, not the least of which included Martin Morrison and Jere Humphrey.
Although later in his career he was elected Judge of Marshall Superior Court No.1, a position previously held by his father Albert, and even later elected County Commissioner. Chip would readily share that his greatest professional satisfaction was derived from helping his friends and neighbors resolve legal challenges that complicated their lives; no matter how large, and certainly just as important, no matter how small. It was nothing for Chip to spend hours talking with a client about the problems in their life, and never bill a cent for the advice. Sadly, they don’t make lawyers like the Honorable Eugene Nelson Chipman anymore.
In May 1994, Eugene was selected to be in the Inaugural Class of the Athletic Hall of Fame for Culver Military Academy, and also received the Honor of an Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash. Eugene was happily married to Ida Belle for 69 wonderful years who lovingly called him “Chip”. They raised their four children in Plymouth and were affectionately called Mama Do and Pops by their eleven grandchildren. Pops would take his grandchildren to Blue Angel Airshows, build doll cradles, little kitchens for his granddaughters, a pirate ship treehouse, wooden airplanes, and pull toys, and attend every one of their athletic events. Each year, all of the families would look forward to Mama Do and Pops’ Week-end where we would travel to children’s museums, hotels to swim indoors, and state parks to sled and play games. Pops was an avid leather craftsman and his family and many friends have belts, key chains, and coasters custom-made by him. One of his finest creations were his hand-carved duck decoys. His favorite pastime was to go to auctions and restore furniture into pieces of art for Ida and his children. He also enjoyed playing golf and was a long-time member of the Plymouth Country Club.
Chip is survived by his brother in law: Jim Hardin of Plymouth, and his children: Susan (Ron) Nichter of Carmel, E. Nelson (Susan) Chipman Jr. of Plymouth, Bryant Chipman Sr. of Clearwater, FL and Kelsey (Tom) Flynn of Plymouth; grandchildren: Jared (Ashley) Nichter, Hannah Nichter, Eugene Nelson “Chip” Chipman III, Mary Elizabeth (Ryan) Purcell, Maria (Tim) Stopulos, Bryant Chipman Jr., Aaron Chipman, Christina (Timothy) Eddy Jr, Katie Flynn (Mike) Friedman, Thomas (Annie) Flynn and Daniel Flynn (fiancee Annie Geswein) ; former daughters- in-law, Maggie M. Chipman, and Laura D. Chipman, and a niece and three nephews. Chip and Ida are also survived by ten great-grandchildren with the eleventh one on the way.
Chip was preceded in death by his “Bride Forever” Ida Bell on February 3, 2020; his parents; his in-laws; grandchildren, Jenna Kelsey and Benjamin Eugene Nichter; his brother Albert, and his sisters-in-inlaw Esther Chipman, and Mary Lou Hardin.
Friends may visit and celebrate Chip’s life with his family on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. His Memorial Service will begin after visitation at 4:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant James Smart officiating.
The Chipman Family would like to give a special THANK YOU to our Dad’s loving caregiver, Rhonda Miller, and her support team of LeAnne Andert, Amy Zabala, and Dylanie Miller. In addition, the Staff of Miller’s Assisted Living and the Center for Hospice Care in Plymouth for providing enduring love and care of our Dad during this journey.
Please, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The REES Theatre Project, 2680 Miller Dr. Suite 120, Plymouth, IN 46563 or the Marshall County Humane Society, P.O. Box 22, Plymouth, Indiana 46563.
Ed Barcus says
Nelson,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Such a strong personality and respected man for sure. His presence and legacy will long be remembered in Marshall County. May you find comfort in knowing that he is once again with your Mother. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
Donna and Jim Burroughs says
Condolences on the passing of your father and grandfather.
He was devoted to serving this community.
Steve Bishop says
My condolences and prayers to the Chipman Family! He served his family, friends, office and community well! Rest In Peace Sir!
Ruth Clemons says
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father and grand father.
Rosie Regedanz says
My condolences and prayers to you and your family
Debbie DeMuth says
I am so sorry to hear this, my prayers are with your family.
Sim & Marcy Caron says
Our deepest sympathies to your families . He was quit the legend and will have that legacy forever. May God Bless you with all the fond memories you had with him . Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow!
Jamie Greenlee says
Mr Chipman was a awesome man .RIP my friend
Mark & Sallie Crawford says
Prayers for your family during this tough time. Plymouth lost a great community leader. Godspeed Judge Chipman. 🙏
Dennis & Francie Beville says
Our condolences and prayers for the Chipman family.
Patty says
Condolences to the family.
So hard to lose a loved one.
Sympathy to all
He will surely be missed.
Patty Kraft Romano
Fred and Kathy Funk says
Sorry for loss. He was a great man. God bless
Jere Humphrey says
There are no words to express all my gratitude for all Eugene did for me. Forty nine years ago he hired me out of law school, taught me the ropes and set me on my course in life. I treasure his memory and remember him for not just helping me get started professionally, but all the personal kindnesses along the way. By his character and conduct he elevated our profession. Our sympathies to Susan, Nelson, Bryant, Kelsey and their families.
Betsy Libby Walker says
I was sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a great man! Prayers to all of you for comfort as you navigate your new normal.
Kevin and Susie Huff says
Nels: Our thoughts with you and your family. Your dad was a fine person who was a pleasure to be around
Susie and Kevin Huff says
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Remember the fun times and may you smile when thinking of your dad
Jim and Barb (Bick) Cox says
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Chipman family. He had a strong presence within in our community. Prayers be with the entire family during your time of sharing memories.
Susan Danielson says
Nelson,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Praying for comfort and peace for you and your family in the days ahead.
Kim Morrison says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Chipman Family. I was fortunate to have a few visits with Gene over the last few years. I always enjoyed hearing his memories of working with my father-in-law, Marty Morrison. My family also purchased the beautiful, red “Chipman House” back in the late 80’s, and we had fun sharing stories of chasing bats with tennis rackets!☺️ He and Ida were truly a special part of our community and will be missed!❤️🙏🏻
Heidi Watson, PCA says
My condolences to the Chapman’s. I will never forget your dad. I thoroughly loved working with both your mom and dad. He is with his bride forever now.. He brought a smile to my face most days!! Thank you for letting us here at Miller’s get to know your family!!
Ronald Lee says
Sorry to hear this and prayers for you and your family Nelson. He was a very accomplished man that touched so many lives. Rest In Peace.
Becky Wolfe says
My love & prayers going out to
the whole Chipman family!
Becky Shorter Wolfe
Suzanne Gibson says
THE MEMBERS OF THE VFW AUXILIARY 1162 PLYMOUTH INDIANA
ARE SADDEN TO HEAR OF EUGENE’S PASSING OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY WE WANT TO THANK EUGENE FOR HIS SERVICE TO OUR TOWN, AND OUR COUNTRY GOD BLESS
SUZANNE GIBSON
VFW AUXILIARY 1162
CHAPLAIN & SECRETARY
vfwpost1162@gmail.com
Jana Oliver& Family says
So sorry for your loss! Thoughts& prayers to the Chipman Family🙏🙏
Donna Hann says
Nelson I’m so sorry to hear of your father passing. He lived a long active life.
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
Sending you our sympathy, and thoughts, of one very fine man.
Sincerely,
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder
Joe Martin says
Our Condolences to the Chipman family. Gene was great community leader for Plymouth and Marshall County. There are Not may like him anymore.
Joe & Jennifer Martin
Mike and Chuckie Miller says
Nelly, So sorry for your loss.
Judith M. Price says
I admired Judge Chipman and enjoyed working with him when I was director of what was then called the Marshall County Welfare Dept. When he would stop in my office, he always had sound advice to offer. He and Ida raised three children of whom he was quite proud. The people of Marshall Co. have lost an honorable man.
Elizabeth J Wilcockson says
To the Chipman family, I offer you my sincere condolences on the loss of your Father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty
Mark Troyer says
Even when a long life well lived is complete it is sad to have to say farewell.
Judge Chipman was one-of-a-kind.
Support to Nelson and the entire family.
Mike Burkert says
So sorry to just find out. Judge Chipman was one of the nicest people I ever met. The entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.