Robert Tipton

With an insatiable zest for life, Robert Tipton lived every moment to the fullest each and every day while cherishing those he loved most. He never concerned himself with building wealth according to the world’s measure, rather, he focused his time and attention on making priceless memories with the family he treasured. With the love of his life by his side for nearly 50 years, Bob witnessed his family tree grow to include the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who made him beam with pride. All who knew him would agree that Bob certainly put the sparkle into life. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

As the 1940s dawned in America, we struggled to climb out of the darkness of the Great Depression while WWII enveloped increasingly more of Europe as the days, weeks, and months went by. It was also in 1940 that Franklin D. Roosevelt won the election making him our first third-term president, the Selective Service Act was signed into law, and the 40 hour work week was implemented. This same year was one of great joy for a young family from Clinton County, Michigan, as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy on July 11th. Robert Glenn was the third of seven children born to his parents, John and Margaret (Townsend) Tipton, and he was raised in the family home alongside his siblings. The Tiptons were a close-knit group who dearly loved one another.

In many ways, Bob, as he was usually known, experienced an upbringing that was typical for the young boys of his generation. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who knew Bob that he was known to get into his fair share of mischief while he was growing up since this mischievous side remained with him throughout his entire life. His strong work ethic began when he was working on a farm at the young age of five as he was responsible for milking cows. Although he worked hard, Bob also quickly learned how to have fun. He attended school in Maple Rapids, spending his high school years at Fulton High in Perrinton. With his outgoing and fun-loving personality he made friends with ease, and he also had a reputation for being a practical joker. Bob was someone who could always talk with anyone about anything. When he began driving he was lucky to share his first car with his brother, Dick, providing him with a little more freedom. He graduated from high school in the late fifties.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Bob’s blossoming romance with the young girl with whom he would spend the best years of his life. Her name was Diane Bishop, and although they had known each other for many years they never really thought about dating until they were in high school. They began dating, but they were only able to correspond through letters once Bob went into the Army in 1961. Deeply in love, they were married on July 11, 1964, in Maple Rapids after he returned from serving his country. Before he left for the military Bob had been working for General Motors, and he was thankful that they held his job for him until he returned from the service in 1964. He provided them with 37 years of dedicated service before retiring.

Both Bob and Diane were thrilled to welcome four children into their hearts and home: Cristina, Robert, Kimberly, and Sonya. He was a wonderful and affectionate father who loved being with his family more than anything else. Of course Bob had plenty of fun with his kids, and he was also supportive of them in everything they did. He especially loved camping and traveling as a family, which was something they all enjoyed doing together as well. Once their children were grown Bob and Diane liked riding motorcycles together with Bob handling all the driving. Although they had several minor accidents, they were never deterred from sharing these special times together. Later in life Bob was delighted to become a grandfather, and he supported his grandchildren in their endeavors including cheering them on during their sporting events.

Although his focus was almost always on his family, Bob had a few other interests. He was a dedicated Tigers fan, yet his real passion was found in local sports. Bob was such a beloved and regular fan at the Futon High School games that the team taped their last seven basketball games for him as we was too ill to go in person. It was just this past August that he was diagnosed with cancer, and although his prognosis wasn’t too good, Bob never lost his positive outlook on life. Bob was unable to overcome the fight, and he drew his last breath surrounded by the love of his family.

Despite accomplishing many things of which to be proud, Robert Tipton was a humble man whose greatest source of pride and joy was found in his family. He loved being a father to be sure, but he just may have argued that becoming a grandfather was his greatest gift. Bob was a blessing in the lives of those too numerous to count.

Robert Glenn Tipton died on February 5, 2013. Bob’s family includes his wife, Diane; children, Cristina (Harry) Beaugez of Navarre, FL, Robert Tipton of Maple Rapids, Kimberly Thelen of Maple Rapids, Sonya (Timothy) Devereaux of Maple Rapids; grandchildren, Tyler, Trevor (Becky), and Taylor Beaugez, Logan (Jeremy) Price, Riley, and Ross (Loren) Thelen, Scottie (Jason) Barrett, Samantha and Sara Tipton; and great-grandchildren, Lillian Beaugez, Alexus, Brienna and Makalah Price, Ava and Track Thelen, and Maverick Barrett. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, John Tipton. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 9, 2013, with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating, at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. To learn more about Robert and to view his Life Story film, please visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/87171.