Frank LeClaire Shipe, (born February 4, 1940) passed away at Mercy Hospital on Monday October 16th. He lived a long full life, beginning and ending in Springfield, Missouri near the Ozarks he knew and loved.

Frank worked in both print and radio journalism — as a writer, copy editor, and occasional DJ & news broadcaster. Whenever he needed to get away from desk work, he did gardening and landscaping. In his middle years, he lived in San Francisco, a city he loved dearly. He worked a stint at Rolling Stone Magazine in its early heyday. As a freelancer, he edited what he calls "the two most important gardening books ever," published by Ortho.

He loved music, and knew a lot about it as the son of a professional jazz pianist. Upon returning to his hometown after 25 years on the West Coast, Frank wrote articles about the concerts & restaurants in Branson, Missouri. (He interviewed legendary musicians who performed in residence there.)
But it was his passion for gardening that came to define him. A well-known volunteer at Springfield Botanical Gardens, he was immensely proud of this community treasure. And he adored the people he worked with. He kept up his writing chops with articles on gardening craft and profiles of fellow green-thumbs who shared his passion. (He took great pleasure in highlighting the talents of others and encouraging them in their pursuits — especially young people.)

In one such article he quotes a favorite actress Helen Hayes: "All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar."

Frank's mother, Mary, was a nursing supervisor. His father, Frank Sr., fought in Europe during World War II. One of his earliest memories was going around the neighborhood — only 5 years old — to make collections for the War effort.

Frank outlived both of his siblings James & Leoanne. He is survived by his nieces Laurie McCroskey & Christa Clifton, Alexis & Danielle Shipe, his son John, and his grumpy cat Amy Winehouse.