Bill Tipton

Bill W. Tipton, 80, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, May 4, 2004, at his home.

He was born May 19, 1923, in Tiptonville, Tenn., son of James W. and Annie-Laurie Montgomery Tipton. He and Patsy Bode were married Dec. 22, 1946, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau. They were married more than 57 years.

Mr. Tipton played basketball and football at Caruthersville Central High School in Caruthersville, Mo. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a night fighter pilot off carrier Essex, Squadron 83, and saw considerable combat. He was a member of the Naval Reserve.

He started Tipton's Whiteline Laundry in 1948. After purchasing Rigdon's, the name was changed to Tipton Linen Supply, which is still in family operation.

Mr. Tipton was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Lions Club 54 years and had been president, district governor, and pancake chairman. He was a member of American Legion Post 63, VFW Post 3838, Tailhook Association and Cape Girardeau Country Club. He was also a winner on the Price Is Right.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Tom Tipton of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Tina Garner of Houston, Texas, Tricia Parr of Memphis, Tenn.; a brother, Jack Tipton of Caruthersville; a sister, Annie-Laurie Wrather of Portageville, Mo.; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Paul Short officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Reynolds, Chris Reynolds, Don Harper, Ron Stutzman, Roy Wrather and Jack Hale Tipton.

Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Schmitt, Lory Stahly, Ray Buhs, Fred Goodwin, John McCatherty, Ron Garner, Bill Miller, Richard Esicar, Mike McCrate, Freck Shivelbine, Dick Tipton, Kenny Bender, Bill Jones, A.E. Birk and Gary Parr.

Memorials may be made to Saxony Lutheran High School, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.