On February 13th, 2024, Robert Delton (R.D.) Tippen, Widower, beloved father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 100, just 3 months shy of his 101st birthday.
R.D. was born on May 8th, 1923, to Frank and Minnie Mae Tippen in Goldthwaite, Texas. He was the youngest of five children. He graduated high school in 1941 at the age of 17 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942. R.D. served in the military with a rank of Quarter Master 2nd Class during WWII and was assigned as helmsman to several light class cruisers, including the USS Columbia, the USS Denver, and the USS Montpelier. He served his entire career in the South Pacific. He was awarded the Purple Heart and fourteen battle stars for wartime campaigns in WWII.
R.D. met his wife Betty, while on leave in Houston. When he was discharged from the U.S. Navy, R.D. married Betty Moore in 1947 and raised two sons, Robert D. (Bob) Tippen II, and Scott Tippen. He was a member of the American Legion Post 133 and the Masonic Lodge of Belton, Texas.
R.D. worked for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 38 years. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling, camping throughout the United States and Canada, enjoying nature and spending time with family and friends. He was an avid wood carver and prior to losing his eyesight to glaucoma and macular degeneration, he made many carvings that are still enjoyed by his family today. He will be remembered for his generous and easy-going spirit and ready smile.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his siblings, Frank Tippen, Raymond Tippen, Ruth Wood, and Ina Mae Tippen; his wife of 75 years, Betty Tippen.
He is survived by his two sons, Robert D. (Bob) Tippen II of Houston, Texas and Scott Tippen of Belton Texas; one daughter-in-law, Melissa Tippen of Belton, Texas; one granddaughter, Dr. Samantha Tippen of Houston, Texas and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Amedysis and Our Hospice House-Central Texas for their compassionate care and unwavering support.
Dossman Funeral Home in Belton, Texas is handling arrangements. Graveside services only will be held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas on Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, at 9am, officiated by Rev. Ernest Thompson of Troy, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Our Hospice House-Central Texas.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Starts at 9:00 am (Central time)
Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery
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