In loving memory of

DICK DALE GIPE
May 11, 1925 - November 21, 2013

Dick Dale Gipe, 88, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 1 a.m. Thursday, November 21, 2013 at Parkview Oaks. Born on May 11, 1925 in Columbia City, he was the son of Murl E. and Elderine F. (Thompson) Gipe.

When he was a year old, his mother passed away and at the age of 10, Dick lost his father from the result of an auto accident. He was then raised by his grandparents, Adam and Mary Gipe and aunt, Neva Gipe. He graduated from Coesse High School with the Class of 1943. He served in the Army during WWII from August of 1944 thru March of 1947. He was stationed in Germany from January until July of 1945, serving in the Rhineland and Central Europe Campaign with the 95th Infantry Division. Among his numerous medals, he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star.

On May 1, 1949 he married Roberta J. Andrew at Lake Chapel Methodist. They honeymooned at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell, IN and he always enjoyed going back there along with other State Parks. Dick worked at Dana Corporation Fort Wayne from June 1947 to June 1987 and retired June 1, 1987 with 40 years of service. He was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher for many years and on the Administration Board.

Dick was an avid book reader and especially liked books about history and weather. One of his favorite authors was Louis LAmour and his stories about the American West. He loved recording music and spent many hours recording music from records to cassettes. He enjoyed gardening, watching and feeding the birds. Dick also enjoyed attending athletic events of his children and grandchildren and missed very few until his health prevented him from going.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Roberta J. Gipe; sons, Duane L. (Kathy) Gipe of Lafayette and Robert D. Gipe of Columbia City; daughters, Anne K. (Larry) Easterday of Warsaw and Jeanne E. (Steve) Cox of Columbia City; grandchildren, Derick (Tatum) Gipe, Morgan Gipe both of Indianapolis, Christina (Tim) Tylinski of West Chester, OH, Brent (Lindy) Cox of Columbia City and Lauren Easterday of Warsaw; and great-grandsons, Marshall Cox and Ethan Tylinski. He was preceded in death by his parents, Murl and Elderine Gipe; grandparents, Adam and Mary Gipe and Scott and Matilda Thompson; a special aunt, Neva Gipe and a 16 year old granddaughter in 1997, Megan Easterday.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2013 from 2 to 6 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, November 25, 2013 at the funeral home with Rev. David Arnold and Rev. Steve Austin officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Gipes memory to Columbia City UMC Building Fund, Heartland Hospice or Parkview Oaks Activity Department. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

Tributes

Outi Etu-Seppl wrote on Nov 24, 2013:

"So sorry to hear about your great loss. Great memories will help you to move forward. Lots of warm thoughts and hugs for tomorrow. You all are in our minds also here in Finland! Love, Outi"

Dick and Pauline Osborn wrote on Nov 23, 2013:

"Dearest Roberta and Family: We hope you know how much you all mean to us.Our best times have been with you guys.We share your grief and pray that our wonderful Lord will give you strength and peace each moment during this time. We love all of you. Dick, Pauline, Carlos, Paula and Emily"

M. Jacquelyn Hescock wrote on Nov 23, 2013:

"Duane, Kathy, and Family, So very sorry for your loss.I extend my deepest sympathy. Love, Tawn (Kathy's Sister)"

Valerie Byer Rouch wrote on Nov 22, 2013:

"Dearest Gipe Family~ I am sorry to read of Dick's passing.Enjoyed reading of his many accomplishments, despite the difficulties he faced throughout his life.I know he loved his family and was truly proud of each and everyone of you. Thinking back my childhood and spending the night with Anne and Dad - Dick saying softly "girls" quiet down...Anne would whisper...we better...as we giggled and just plain had fun. Yes, indeed he will truly be missed, but know this: the many MEMORIES are yours to cherish forever and ever. My heart hurts for each of you and will pray for you and yours in the hours, days, weeks and months to pass. In Loving Memory...God's Blessings to each and everyone of you! Valerie Byer Rouch"

Stan Andrew wrote on Nov 22, 2013:

"I have nothing but fantastic memories of Uncle Dick.From his fantastic laughing and stories, to the reunions with the Andrew family.You have blessed my life.You will be missed."

Sara Fine wrote on Nov 22, 2013:

"MONET'S GARDENBASKET was sent by Wabash National.With sincere sympathy from your friends at Wabash National"

Julie Johnson wrote on Nov 22, 2013:

"No words can adequately express a condolence or relieve the sorrow felt when a family loses a member. The Gipe family is in my thoughts and prayers during your time of loss. Respectfully, Julie Johnson Wabash National"

Kevin and Julie Macy wrote on Nov 22, 2013:

"We are sending prayers up on your behalf during this difficult time.Dick was a wonderful christian and will be missed."

Greg Fahl wrote on Nov 22, 2013:

"Dear All, Please accept my sinceresympathy upon the passing of your wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. I always admired and respected Dick for his quiet strength and honesty. How he lived his life certainly reflects in how all of you live yours. Roberta, you and Dick certainly raised four wonderful kids and I am so privileged to be friends with all of you. God Bless, Greg Fahl"

Dianne Willer-Sly wrote on Nov 22, 2013:

"Dear Aunt Roberta and all my cousins, Thinking of you all and remembering all the many family events together with Uncle Dick. Dianne Willer-Sly (Dorothy's daughter) "

Bonnie Bultemeier wrote on Nov 22, 2013:

"Hi,condolences to you and your family.Dick was a swell guy andwill be missed by all.Keep in you heart all the good times you had GOD BLESSINGS."

Brett Gerber wrote on Nov 21, 2013:

"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "

Mark Spreitzer wrote on Nov 21, 2013:

"Duane, Just received word from Sandy about your loss. My special thoughts to you, Kathy and the rest of your family. Fathers are special to us and I am sure all will miss his presence. Sincere condolences....Mark"

Cathy Arnold wrote on Nov 21, 2013:

"I would like to pass along my deepest sympathies.Your memories will keep him alive in your hearts forever."

Denise Benfield wrote on Nov 21, 2013:

"Jeanne and Christy-Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Denise Benfield"

Doug and Joan McGehe wrote on Nov 21, 2013:

"Roberta, Duane, Bob, Ann, Jeannie: Our prayers are with you all at this difficult time. We know that Dick was a great Dad and a wonderful Grandpa. We go back a long time ago and remember the early years and we all were so very young. Doug and Joan McGehe "

Pauline L. Bruch wrote on Nov 21, 2013:

"You all will be in my daily prayers and I send my condolence to the whole family. We know Dick is in the arms of our "Great and Wonderful God"."