Melvin Tripp (Mansfield)'s Obituary
Melvin Edward Tripp, age 77 of Norwood, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 11, 2013, in his home surrounded by his loving family, those he laughed with, lived for and loved. He was born August 20, 1936 in the small town of Fredericktown, Missouri, to Melvin Clarence & Eleanor Susan (Johnson) Tripp. He lived in that area until he moved to Granite City, Illinois as a young man, to work at a horseradish farm. He was introduced to his beloved wife, Katherine Marie (Singer) Tripp, by a neighbor George Brimm, who also invited him to church and there he met the Lord at an altar in Old Bethel Chapel Church. He and Katherine lived in Granite City for 39 years where they raised two daughters, Valerie & Lisa. He worked at A.O. Smith, Southwest Steel, Hubbell Metals, Kienstra Concrete and then as a school bus driver, before he retired on disability. He earned his high school diploma by taking GED classes at the local community college. He was so proud of that diploma.
He and his family attended Bethel Chapel Pentecostal church faithfully. He taught Sunday School there for several years where they have many dear friends. In 1997, he and Katherine moved to Norwood Missouri and this country boy was in his element once again. Melvin loved to fish, hunt, tie fishing jigs, and shoot guns. He also loved taking pictures and playing the harmonica. He was always willing to help people in any way he could and he never met a stranger. He adored his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He and Katherine enjoyed many days on their little country acreage with their family, and they attended Highway of Holiness Church in Macomb, Missouri, which is pastored by his son-in-law, Rev Mark Hutson. Melvin loved the Lord and wanted everyone to know his Savior. He and Katherine would have celebrated 55 years of marriage in November of this year.
He is predeceased by his parents, Melvin and Eleanor, and his older brother Frank Tripp. Besides his beloved wife Katherine, he is survived by his two daughters, Valerie Dawn Cox and husband Steve of Norwood, and Lisa Ann Hutson and husband Mark, of Macomb, his grandchildren, Bethany Cox of Norwood, Paul & Kristen (Cox) Whited of Norwood, Shawn & Davina Cox of Macomb, Matthew & Anna Hutson of Mansfield, Tommy & Andrea (Hutson) Hammond of Vidor, Texas, Jonathan & Jared Hutson of Macomb; and finally, the joy of his last years, his five great grandchildren, Olivia, Ian, Wyatt, Addilynn and Dannika. He is also also survived by his brother Jerry Tripp of Taylor, Michigan as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and friends.
The Family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the members of Hospice Compassus. Their dedication and effort to provide quality care over the last month, was a heartwarming blessing to the entire family. We thank God for the gift of Melvin's life and the blessing of the time we spent with him.
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