Martin (Marty) K. Shupert, 75, of Lawrence passed away at home on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Born November 22,1950 in Bremen, Indiana, the son of Caroline Carr Shupert and Glen D. Shupert. He grew up in North Liberty, Indiana and graduated from North Liberty High School as a proud Shamrock in 1969. He then attended the University of Indiana at South Bend, Indiana, where he received his bachelor’s degree. He moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1987 to attend the University of Kansas where he studied Behavioral Analysis and Human Life.
He was united in marriage with Rebecca Richard-Shupert on August 20, 1994, in North Liberty, Indiana. For the past 32 years, they have resided in Lawrence, Kansas where she survives. Marty was the very proud and loving father of two children, Ella Victoria Shupert of Omaha, Nebraska and Cole Joseph Shupert of Wichita, Kansas. He is also survived by his sister Janet Shupert-Arick (Bill Arick) of Bremerton, Washington, sisters Becky Ross and Kathie Carr, niece, Jennifer Steele McIver (Patrick McIver) of Bremerton, Washinton, and nephew Corey Ross of Guam.
Marty owned and operated the Jayhawk Home Daycare for 22 years, helping to raise and care for many children in the area. He was also actively involved in youth sports, coaching baseball, softball, basketball, soccer and futsal. He found great joy in watching both his children, Ella and Cole, play sports. He was an avid sports fan with his favorite teams being the Kansas Jayhawks basketball, Notre Dame football, the Chicago White Sox, and the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Indiana University Hoosiers.
Marty had a life-long passion for music. He was a self-taught guitarist, and he enjoyed playing guitar and keyboard and recording his music. He was a poet and songwriter who composed many lyrics throughout his life, including numerous children’s songs that he used in his daycare to educate and entertain children.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the following organizations in support of youth sports: Landon Lucas Foundation– Sports for Life Fund (Douglas County Community Foundation), or Lawrence Parks and Recreation Youth Sports, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: P.O. B1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Thoughts & prayers are with all of you @ this sad time
Rebecca, Ella and Cole,
I’m sad to hear about Marty’s passing. He was an integral member of our Saturday morning basketball group and a valued member of our city league basketball team for many years. It was always clear that he loved you all and was very proud of your accomplishments. My thoughts are with you in your time of loss.
It was a shock to hear of Marty’s death. My prayers are with my Sister Rebecca and her children, Ella and Cole. May they be comforted in this time of loss.
My shelves are stocked with board games because my uncle taught me the love of gaming. I have many fond memories of the times we played together around the kitchen table at Grandma’s house on holidays, and I always looked forward to his visits. I still miss the visits to the baseball stadium, the times we played mini golf, the times we shot hoops and played whiffle ball together. And, all the high-action table hockey games and amazing chess openings he always baffled me with… We’ll break out some games this week in honor of my Uncle Marty.
May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. Peace be upon him.