COLUMBIA CITY – Dick Dale Gipe, 88, Columbia City, passed away at 1 a.m. Nov. 21, 2013, at Parkview Oaks. He was born May 11, 1925, in Columbia City, to Murl E. and Elderine F. Thompson Gipe. On May 1, 1949, at Lake Chapel Methodist, he married his wife of 64 years, Roberta J. Andrew, who survives. When he was a year old, his mother passed away and, at the age of 10, he 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 World War II from August of 1944 through 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. He 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. He and his wife honeymooned at Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell, and he always enjoyed going back there as well as to other state parks. He was an avid book reader and especially liked books about history and weather. One of his favorite authors was Louis L’Amour 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. He also enjoyed attending athletic events of his children and grandchildren, and he missed very few until his health prevented him from going. Also surviving are two sons, Duane L. (and spouse Kathy) Gipe, Lafayette, and Robert D. Gipe, Columbia City; two daughters, Anne K. (and spouse Larry) Easterday, Warsaw, and Jeanne E. (and spouse Steve) Cox, Columbia City; five grandchildren: Derick (and spouse Tatum) Gipe and Morgan Gipe, both of Indianapolis; Christina (and spouse Tim) Tylinski, West Chester, Ohio; Brent (and spouse Lindy) Cox, Columbia City; and Lauren Easterday, Warsaw; and two great-grandsons, Marshall Cox and Ethan Tylinski. He was preceded in death by his parents; 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. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, with the Rev. David Arnold and the Rev. Steve Austin officiating. Burial is in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Calling will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to Columbia City UMC Building Fund, Heartland Hospice or Parkview Oaks Activity Department. Condolences may be sent via www.demoneygrimes.com
