DICK DALE GIPE

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.