NAPPANEE – Merrill Dale “Gutch” Pippen, 84, of Nappanee, died of natural causes at 9:45 a.m. July 25, 2012, in his residence.
He was born Nov. 14, 1927, in Nappanee, to Everett and Nancy Stouder Pippen. On Aug. 31, 1951, in Nappanee, he married Billie Jean Widmoyer, who survives.
A lifetime area resident, he and his wife co-owned and operated Re-lax-o Products, Nappanee. He served with the Headquarters 8th Army, in Yokohama, Japan, during World War II in the Pacific Theater.
Also surviving are a son, Rex Pippen, Middlebury; a daughter, Sherry (and spouse Dennis) Martin, Nappanee; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother, Bud “Eldon” (and spouse Kathy) Pippen, California. He was preceded in death by three sisters and six brothers.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Nappanee Missionary Chapel with Pastor Marvin Engbrecht officiating. Burial will be in Union Center Cemetery with military graveside services.
Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church.
Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, is in charge of arrangements. ***** Memorials may be made to Nappanee Missionary Church or to the American Legion.
