Charles "Chick" L. Tipton

Charles L. “Chick” Tipton, age 95, of Fairview Heights, IL, born on February 5, 1928, in East St. Louis, IL, died on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

Chick was a graduate of East Side High school January class 1946 and went directly into the Navy in February of that year and was honorably discharged in 1947. Using the GI Bill he obtained his Electrical Engineering degree from Washington University, graduating in June of 1951. Following college, he was employed by Union Electric as Senior Construction Supervisor until retirement in February 1990.

While in college he married the love of his life, Frances Leininger in November 1949. Happily married for 67 years, they raised 5 children and were blessed with 5 grandsons, and 3 great grandchildren. Chick was an avid football and Cardinal baseball fan. Other hobbies included photography, charcoal drawings, golf, and pinochle. He was also a very handy do-it-yourselfer, building his own house.

He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Fairview Heights and loved singing in the choir. But his real passion was spending time with his family. He became “Papa Chick” to his grandkids, orchestrating annual family vacations to Kiawah Island South Carolina and Northern Bay Wisconsin.

Chick was a loving member of the community and enjoyed dining out and socializing with everyone he met. In his 90’s, he became a member of the FH Rec Center and was known as the Senior Member, frequently seen walking the outdoor track, walker in hand.

He was preceded  in death by his wife, Frances L. Tipton, nee Leininger; his parents, Rev. William W. and Ethel Tipton, nee Davis; and his siblings, Raymond E. Tipton, Ruby E. Tipton, Bobbie R. Tipton, and Donnie Tipton.

Chick is survived by his children, John E. Tipton (Kris Harrings), David L. Tipton (Mary Margaret Marone), Charles W. (Sally) Tipton, Janet L. (Allen) Reames, and Robert D. Tipton; his grandchildren, Danny (Lacey) Reames, Michael Reames, Nathan (Olivia) Reames, Jake Tipton, and Joey Tipton; and his three great-grandchildren, Ari Reames, Adelaide Reames, and John Reames.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Fairview Heights, IL.            

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at First Baptist Church, Fairview Heights, IL.

A Visitation will also be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023, at First Baptist Church, Fairview Heights, IL.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023, at First Baptist Church, Fairview Heights, IL.  Interment will be held in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

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