Leo Shrimplin

Leo A. Shrimplin, 95, of Davenport, IA, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Davenport.

Leo was born on March 2, 1930, in Jefferson County, Kansas, to George and Goldie Shrimplin. He attended school through the ninth grade. He would work some odd jobs before entering the U.S. Army on March 26, 1951.

Leo served in the United States Army for 1 year, 3 months, and 12 days as an electrician in Company “C” of the 430th Engineer (Combat) Battalion. He was deployed to Korea in the summer of 1951. During his service, he earned the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Citation. He was honorably discharged on March 18, 1953, just 16 days after his 23rd birthday.

Throughout his life, Leo worked a variety of jobs. He spent time with a traveling carnival, worked as a pin boy at Palladium Lanes in Lawrence, delivered groceries in Topeka, Kansas, and served as a ranch hand in Western Colorado. In 1955, he married Jerry Lou Merrifield at the Douglas County Courthouse in Lawrence. The story has been told that a firetruck came screaming by just about the time of the "I do's," so they weren't 100% sure if they were truly married. Nevertheless, they loved each other for the next 57 years.

In 1964, Leo began working at the Lawrence Paper Company, making cardboard boxes. For the first two years, he commuted daily between Topeka and Lawrence—a 30-minute drive each way. In June 1966, after a tornado destroyed their home in Topeka, Leo and Jerry relocated permanently to Lawrence.

On January 6, 1971, Leo and Jerry welcomed their son, Jimmy Lee Shrimplin. Soon after, they moved into their longtime home at 1108 New Jersey Street, where they lived for more than 30 years.

Leo continued working at the Lawrence Paper Company until his retirement in 1996. He was known for his strong work ethic, quiet sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to his family. He enjoyed the simple things in life—drinking coffee at home, watching Westerns, listening to country music, and driving through the Kansas countryside. He loved animals, especially the family dogs, and was always ready for a good visit with friends and neighbors.

After retiring, Leo and Jerry would move to Bolivar, Missouri. They would live there until Jerry's passing in 2012. They were married for 57 years. After Jerry's death, Leo would move to Ottumwa, Iowa, to be closer to his son, who was serving as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Leo would move every time his son moved: Ottumwa to Montezuma, Montezuma to Iowa City. It was in Iowa City that Leo finally entered into assisted living, then he moved to Parkview Homes in Wayland, Iowa, and then finally to Davenport, Iowa, in February of 2025.

Though he rarely spoke about it, Leo was proud of his military service and grateful to have served his country. He lived a life marked by humility, kindness, and faithfulness.

Leo was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jerry Shrimplin; three infant children; his parents, George and Goldie Shrimplin; and his siblings: Willard Shrimplin, Howard Shrimplin, Lillian O’Keefe, Frank Shrimplin, and Don Shrimplin.

He is survived by his son, Jimmy (Jim) Shrimplin, and wife, Rebekkah, of Davenport, Iowa; his grandson, Philip Shrimplin, and wife, Natalie, of Ottumwa, Iowa; and one great-granddaughter, Harmony Shrimplin, also of Ottumwa.

Leo’s steady presence and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial, 1811 15th Street Place, Moline, IL.

A memorial service is planned for August 8, 2025, where Leo’s remains will be rejoined with his beloved wife, Jerry. The service will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1517 E 15th Street in Lawrence, KS.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on his memory page at mvcremation.com.