Obituary

Maj. Roy E. Tipton

December 28, 2009

Roy E. Tipton, age 87 of Hillsdale. A lifelong learner, teacher and unabashed idealist, Roy Tipton will be remembered for his steadfast loyalty to his friends, family and country. He was born August 19, 1922 in Madison County Kentucky to Roy and Mary Willie (Fielder) Tipton. He began his professional life as a soldier, enlisting in the army in 1939. After a brief, 12-day training period was “turned to duty” as a private in the 10th Infantry. After being stationed at Fort Custer, Michigan he was deployed to Iceland in 1941 where, having been promoted to sergeant, he served until he was accepted to Officer Candidate School in December of 1942.

On April 17, 1943 he graduated from OCS and was commissioned a second lieutenant. This accomplishment was particularly notable since he had not yet completed his high school education. He was eventually assigned to the 351st Infantry Regiment of the 88th Division in May of 1944 and participated in the liberation of Italy from the Nazi invasion. In July of the same year he assumed command of L Company during the battle of Laiatico. After the two other rifle companies of the 3rd Battalion had been rendered incapable of combat by the enemy he led his company in a night attack resulting in the capture of over 200 German soldiers without a single casualty to his men. This action decided the battle and the 3rd Battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its outstanding performance – the equivalent of every man in the unit receiving the Distinguished Service Cross.

Eventually attaining the rank of major, he served in the Korean Military Advisory Group during the Korean War and was commander of Fulda Post, Germany from January 1957 to August 1958. After a career that spanned 20 years he retired from active military duty on October 31, 1959 at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.

In 1963 he graduated from Western Michigan University with a masters degree in guidance and counseling. He later settled in Hillsdale, Michigan where he served as high school guidance counselor from 1966 to 1976 and was a well-known fixture in the community for the remainder of his life. An avid barbershop singer and 35-year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society he sang with the Hudson, Coldwater and Jackson chapters before helping to found the Hillsdale chapter.

He is survived by Frances (Ford) Tipton, his wife of 43 years; Three children: Sharon Tipton of Kalamazoo; David (Ellen) Tipton of Battle Creek; and Matthew (Josie) Tipton of Sterling Heights; Seven granddaughters: Arrow Tipton; Erin Tipton; Emily (Ian) Bobinac; Sara Tipton; Abigail Tipton; Gwendolyn Tipton; and Meredith Tipton; two great-granddaughters and a great-grandson; A brother: Lemuel Ray (Jean) Tipton of Dry Ridge, Kentucky; A beloved niece: Jean Ann (Mark) Powell of Walton, Kentucky; two grand-nieces: Rachel and Ashlynn Powell. He was preceded in death by a son: Michael (Denise) Tipton (2009); and a brother: Denville Tipton (1945).

Funeral services for Roy Tipton will be Monday, January 4, 2010 at 11:00 am at the VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale with Pastor Ned Wyse officiating. Interment with full military honors will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan on Monday at 2:30 pm. The family will receive friends for visitation Sunday from noon to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home. The Hillsdale Town & Country barbershop chorus will pay a musical tribute at 7:00 pm.

Suggested memorials include Hospice of Hillsdale, the Hillsdale Town and Country Chorus and Harmony Foundation.

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