Robert L Tipton

Robert L. Tipton

Robert L. “Tippy” Tipton - bigger-than-life father, cherished brother, and fiercely beloved of all those dear to him, died at his Akron home on Wednesday, September 21, 2016.  Bobby was 78, living every last moment of those years exactly as he wanted, to the delight and amusement of those close to him.  He was raised an Ellet Orangeman and remained so until the last, reveling in their recent 83-26 win against the Cardinals (“Those aren’t football scores, those are basketball scores!  Woo hoo!”). Bob’s heart and soul spanned many locales, beginning with childhood in Hazard, KY, wintering in Fort Myers and Naples, FL, and always returning to his beloved family in Portage Lakes, OH.  His family regularly accompanied him on his trips, enjoying questionably safe airboat rides in the murky Everglades, recovering from speedboat day trips on choppy water to Marco Island, and taking in the extended family bonding time on ATVs in the mountains of Hazard.

Bob had an unstoppable love of all things loud and fast, and merrily shared his hobbies with anyone willing to take a ride - as long as they could hang on tight.  Bob’s seasons weren’t described by temperatures or precipitation, but by which recreational vehicle he could get out of the garage.  In the summers, all of Portage Lakes has contended with his fiery speedboat in those tiny fast lanes. Springs and autumns would find him on a motorcycle (in later years, tooling around on a slightly slower moped), considering the local flea markets for trinkets. During winter, he was unrecognizable, suited up from head to toe in a puffy snow suit, jumping snow banks and racing on the ice on a snowmobile.

When he wasn’t joyfully cheating death by way of speed or decibel, Bobby could be found arguing the rules of Hoyle over mostly friendly games of poker and euchre (Lord so help whoever trumps his Ace in the great Euchre Game In The Sky).  

In addition to his many hobbies, Bob also served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Private First Class, until 1961.  While in service, he attained his Rifle Sharpshooter badge.  He was also a 32nd Degree Mason, and a proud Shriner of the Tadmor Temple.

Bob is remembered with joy by his daughter, Jennifer Lynn (Philip) Mark; son, Timothy W. Tipton (girlfriend, Erica Sharp); and dear mother of his children, Samantha Tipton.   His life is also celebrated by brothers, Jimmy Tipton and Philip (Patricia) Tipton; sisters, Carol Brown and Gail Nida, close friend Robert Headley, and countless cherished family members and friends. Bobby will join his brother, Morris Tipton (surviving wife, Suzanne) along with their parents, James and Lola, in a joyful reunion in Heaven.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at the Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road (SR619) from 4 to7 P.M.  Memorial contributions can be made in Bobby’s name to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.  To leave a special message online for the family, visit our website at www.schermesserfh.com.

SCHERMESSER
(330) 899-9107