Richard W. Kipp, age 93, of Spring Garden Ave., Bloomsburg, died on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 a resident of Columbia Montour Home Hospice at Maria Hall in Danville. Richard was also formerly a resident of Old Berwick Road in Bloomsburg since 1991.
Richard was born on Friday, September 12, 1919 in Northumberland, a son of the late Oscar H. and Grace (Bartleson) Kipp. He was a member of the 1938 Graduating Class of the Bloomsburg High School.
On November 20, 1939, Richard enlisted with the United States Army Air Forces providing dedicated service during World War II. He served as 2nd Lieutenant Pilot with the Army Air Corps 2538th Base Unit overseas in Tunisia, North Africa and also in Sicily, Italy. During his time serving in the European Theater of Operations, he piloted the famous Bell P-39 Airacobra which became one of the primary fighter aircrafts during World War II. During his time of service, he was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Air Medal with Two Oak Leaf Cluster; the Presidential Unit Citation and the American Service Defense Medal. Richard concluded his dedication of service on July 18, 1945.
After returning to the United States, Richard became employed as a Lineman for PPL for over 35 years, until his retirement in 1982. He was also a Lineman in the Electrical Department for the Bloomsburg Fair for over 50 years. Richard was a devoted member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Espy, and also a member of the Bloomsburg American Legion Post #273 and Bloomsburg Elks #436 B.P.O.E.
On March 5, 1990, Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Fought Kipp. He was also preceded by a daughter: Ellen Pursel in 1997 and also by three siblings: Mary Larish, Dorothy Robison and Paul Kipp.
Survivors include his beloved wife of over 19 years, Phyllis Jane (Hess) Fought, two sons: Gary L. Kipp and wife, Patricia, of Danville, and Neil R. Kipp and wife, Gail, of Orangeville; 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren; and three step-children: Robert H. Fought and Douglas L. Fought both of Millville; and Lori Meigs and husband, James, of Red Lion.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, November 23 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg.
Funeral Services will begin on Friday, November 23 at 2 p.m. from the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. with Pastor Susan Rogutski, officiating. Graveside services will follow in New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy. A combined VFW/American Legion Group will be providing Military Honors.
Memorial contributions in Richard's name are suggested to the Columbia Montour Home Hospice at Maria Hall, 410 Glenn Ave., Suite 200, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.