Charles J. Phipps
Charles J. Phipps
Charles J. Phipps arrived in Dallas Center, Iowa on August 22, 1925. Coming from a large family and growing up in the depression of the 1930's, he learned the value of a dollar and a man was only as good as his word.
He enlisted in 1943 and joined the 4th Marine Division, 17th artillery regiment during the global conflict that was World War II. He participated in three major campaigns in the Pacific theater and gained from this experience the value of a human life and many memories he was reluctant to share. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
Charles met and married a young nurse from Minnesota by the name of Audrey Torgerson in 1948. They would build a life and raise a family in Des Moines and then move to Johnston in 196...[more]
/span> He began his career, also in 1948, when John Deere Works in Ankeny, Iowa hired him to build farm machinery. Charles was affectionately known as Red by his coworkers, and was a proud supporter of the Local Union and its membership. In 1980 he retired after 32 years, and many relationships he maintained throughout his retirement. Golfing, hunting, fishing and horseshoeing were his activities by choice, and all kept him young and busy until the final years of his life. Charles passed peacefully and without regrets on April 25, 2019. He was tough and kind; funny and generous. He was a man created by the time and challenging world that he grew up in. And he was our Dad. May he rest in peace. Charles was preceded in death by his son, Raymond, and his loving wife, Audrey. Left to cherish his memory are his children, David (Marva) Phipps, Paul (Kris) Phipps, Rod (Bev) Phipps, Gloria (Joe) Coser, and Theresa (Rick) Bailey; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at Merle Hay Funeral Home. Memorial service will begin at 7 p.m. also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Malloy 2N.
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