Shawn Phipps

Shawn was born on May 3, 1965, to Louis L. Phipps and Joan E. (Marshall) Phipps in Bloomington, IL. Upon graduation from Bloomington High School in 1985, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in North Dakota. After being honorably discharged, he went on to attend Illinois State University receiving a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

After college, he became a TSA agent for Homeland Security at the Central Illinois Regional Airport.

In 1991, Shawn met his wife, Valerie Hughart, at the United States Post Office while working there part-time. They have been inseparable ever since. They married in 2009 in Barbados, W.I. Shawn was devoted to his wife and loved her beyond measure. She was his rock.

In 2010, Shawn had to leave the TSA position in order to battle kidney cancer. Over the years, Shawn handled everything thrown at him like a warrior. No matter what came next, he faced it head on. His strength and courage were unmatched.

Shawn loved his sports. His favorite teams were Chicago Bears, Cubs, Bulls, Fighting Illini, and Alabama Role Tide. He played basketball and softball/baseball in high school and for many years after that. His positions were shortstop or 2nd base since he was old enough for Little League. Basketball was a guard. Shawn played in the Softball Rec League for Piccadilly Pub from 1990-1993, winning it all in 1991 and Times Past Inn from 1994-1995. Shawn truly enjoyed this time with his brother Gary and his Dad as coach. In addition, he threw darts on the Quarter Shakers team for Western Tap for many years, also winning several league championships. Shawn loved playing on the dart league with his Dad. Every year we did the annual Phipps Football Pool. Shawn was the commish, and he didn't let anyone break the rules. In the last few years, Shawn also enjoyed going on camping excursions with Gary.

Shawn had an amazing personality with a sense of humor that was truly a Phipps trait. He never met a stranger and was a loyal, wonderful friend. Everyone said Shawn was indeed a great guy! He was always playing music, sometimes singing so loud he'd drive Val crazy. VanHalen was his favorite band.

Shawn was preceded in death by his father Louie, his mother Joan, his brother Mark, and his cousin, whom he was very close to, Sandra Gilkes Branch. He is survived by his wife, Valerie Hughart-Phipps; brother, Gary Phipps; sister, Lisa Heying; nephew, Joshua Phipps; niece, Rae Heying; great-nephew, Jaxon Phipps; and his furbaby, Buffy.

There was always an unbreakable bond between Shawn, Gary, and Lisa. Shawn was lovingly called "Binzie," as well as little brother and baby brother. Out of all the special gifts in life, to have Shawn as a brother was the greatest gift of all.

Shawn lived a life full of love surrounded by family and friends. He touched an innumerable amount of lives in his 60 years. While Shawn will be dearly missed, we are blessed to have loving, beautiful memories in our hearts, and know we will all be together again.

visitation will be held on January 16, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at East Lawn Funeral Home, located at 1102 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL 61704. Funeral service will be at 11:00 am at the same location with Military rites to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation and Ruby's Rescue and Retreat, organizations Shawn felt strongly about.