John M. Tippets passed away on December 19, 2010 in his home, surrounded by his loving family, due to complications from end-stage Parkinson's Disease. Born April 23, 1924 in Cowley, Wyoming to Martha Mae Maxwell and John Henry Tippets. Graduated from Cowley High school, then Christmas of 1943 joined the U.S. Navy. At age 17, he flew in the turret of B-24 planes as a radio operator in 50 missions over enemy waters in the South Pacific during WWII. Served an LDS Mission in Eastern Canada from 1947-1949. Met his sweetheart Gloria Dickie Tippets at Brigham Young University and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on April 10, 1950. Together, they raised 6 beautiful children in their home in Salt Lake City, Utah. John enjoyed camping, fishing and being in the mountains with his family. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and honored the gospel throughout his life. He served as a Bishop in the Crystal Heights 2nd Ward and he was devoted to serving the Lord and his fellow man in many other callings in the church as well. He worked for 50 years at Six States Distributers auto parts business, only retiring 6 months ago under his physician's insistence. He was fulfilled by working and loved the good friends at this company. John was a gentle giant full of extraordinary love for his family and fellow man. Head over heels in love with his adorable wife Gloria throughout 60 years of marriage. He served as a true example of a principled man of great decency, honor, hard work and gratitude. He lived for his family, friends and loved ones, with a special tenderness for children. We will miss his humor and that beautiful twinkle in his eye that charmed us all. He is survived by his wife Gloria Dickie Tippets, his children: Duane (Lori) Tippets, Sonja (Kevin) Maxwell, Joy (Andrew) Dodds, Reid (Pam) Tippets, and Scott Tippets. He is also survived by his 19 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and one sister Leora Tippets Anderson. He was preceded in death by his son John Brent Tippets, his parents and 10 siblings. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Crystal Heights 2nd Ward: 1970 E. Stratford Avenue (2600S.), in Salt Lake City, Utah. The family will receive friends at a viewing held on Thursday December 23, 2010 at 12:00p.m., also at The Crystal Heights 2nd Ward. Interment will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Great thanks to Kip Deweese NP, Dr. John Dietlein, Dr. Cherie Brunker, and Vista and Heritage Hospice & Home Care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation: www.parkinson.org. We've been truly blessed to be touched by this great man's honorable life.


Published in Deseret News from December 21 to December 22, 2010