Robert R. ""Bob"" Phipps, Sr.'s Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Robert Richard Phipps, Sr., age 75 of Charleston and formerly of Beloit, Wisconsin, went to his Heavenly Home on Monday, February 3, 2014 while at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) today, Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Pastor Ken Hoover officiating. Burial with Military Rites by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 will follow in Mound Cemetery in Charleston. Visitation for family and friends will be held for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to his wife, Nina Phipps. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Bob was born on April 28, 1938 in Indianapolis, IN to the late James and Minda (Pinnell) Phipps, Sr. He married Nina I. Meyer on October 10, 1959 and they have shared 54 years of marriage and friendship. In addition to Nina he is survived by four loving and devoted children, Robert Jr. (Lettie) of Machesney Park, IL, Peggy Johnson (Donald) of Beloit, WI, Tamera Brandt (David) of New Berlin, WI, William Phipps (Susan) also of Beloit; 11 grandchildren, Christine Phipps, Crystal DeQuinzio (Anthony), Courtney Phipps, Tashina Field, Amy Scribner, Adam Larson, Samantha Johnson, Daniel, Kelly and Michael Brandt, Zackary Phipps; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers, James (Diane) Phipps, Jr. of Sullivan, IL, Larry (Vicki) Irby of Charleston; a half-sister, Frances Elder of Indianapolis; and several other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two children, Gregory and Kathy Phipps; and a brother, Hubert Phipps. Bob was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was employed by the Beloit Corporation for nearly 30 years and also enjoyed trucking. Following formal retirement he relocated to Charleston where he enjoyed working for First Student. Bob was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charleston and enjoyed crafts and activities at the Lifespan Center and the former Charleston Area Senior Center. Life was an adventure for Bob and he took advantage of its many opportunities. He enjoyed fishing, scuba diving, karate-including serving as a judge in Chicago tournaments, hunting and the thrills of skydiving. He was also a craftsman in the areas of woodworking and ceramics. He loved a day's ride on his Harley motorcycle and cheering for his beloved Green Bay Packers, but nothing could compare to time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were his pride and joy and he enjoyed sharing life and all its experiences with them. But none were greater than being a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to a family who dearly loved him.
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