Shap Woolfolk

Shapleigh Lewis “Shap” Woolfolk, 86, of Topeka, Kansas, passed peacefully at Stormont Vail Hospital on February 21, 2024. Shap was born in Shelbyville, Missouri in 1937, to Shapleigh Ross Woolfolk and Ethel D. (Ankrom) Woolfolk. As their only child, Shap was very close to his parents throughout their lives. He spent much quality time with his father – hunting, fishing, playing baseball and basketball, and helping his father in the newspaper business. His mother was a teacher for many years and provided education and inspiration to Shap throughout her life. Shap grew up in his father’s hometown of Troy, Missouri. He attended Troy Public Schools, graduating from Buchanan High School in 1955. Shap attended Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri before joining the United States Army in April, 1956. In the Army, Shap was assigned to the 8th Division, 45th Field Artillery, where he worked in the Fire Direction Center and also trained as a field radio telephone operator. He was stationed near Neckarsulm, Germany and always spoke highly of the beautiful German countryside and friendly German people. Shap said that his Army service provided some of the best times of his life. Shap’s Army training as a field radio telephone operator led to a 42-year civilian career in the telecommunications industry, from which he retired in 2002. While Shap was curious and inquisitive about many things, he had a lifelong love for cars and electronic technology. Among many projects, Shap built a dune buggy in his home garage beginning with a bare mail-order frame and ending with a running, driving, licensed motor vehicle. He built more than one computer with a soldering iron and a box of electronic components. His repair and diagnostic skills were legendary among friends and neighbors. Shap married his wife of nearly 38 years, Delores Kay “Dee” Hubbard on December 20, 1985. They resided in Olathe, Osage City and, for more than 30 years, Manhattan, Kansas. Shap and Dee were inseparable and could be found over their years of marriage riding motorcycles, fishing, working on their home, watching movies, and enjoying life. They particularly enjoyed watching Kansas State football and St. Louis Cardinal baseball games on television. Dee preceded Shap in death on September 27, 2023. The marriage of Shap and Dee created a blended family that will remember him fondly. Shap’s family includes children, Jeff Woolfolk (Carole), Gerald Woolfolk, and Lori Dedic (John). His grandchildren and great-grandchildren include, Adam Woolfolk and son Owen, Andrew Woolfolk (Erica) and son Crosby, Lindsey Packingham (Elliot) and son Bodie and daughter Eva. The family expresses their gratitude to the staff at Celebration Villa Senior Living, the VA Hospital, and Stormont-Vail Hospital for the compassionate care provided to our Dad. A private burial will be held at Troy City Cemetery in Troy, Missouri. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Shap Woolfolk

March 9, 1937 - February 21, 2024