Fred L. Tippit

Fred Leslie Tippit, 86 of Findlay, IL, went to be with his Lord and Savior October 3, 2026, in his home, surrounded by family members.

 Fred was born June 12, 1940, east of Findlay in a 2-story house which was located near the family home which he built and lived in for 48 years. He led a very full and interesting life beginning his career as a young boy delivering newspapers in Vandalia where he grew up. He also worked at the Brown Shoe factory in Vandalia. After serving his country in the army in the 82nd Air Borne division during the Cuban Crisis, he worked as a gas station attendant in New Mexico, at MacDonnell Industry and Weaver Jack, Co, before returning to Illinois to work for the State of Illinois. He then worked for Bridgestone Firestone retiring after 32 years. Fred had a log home business and built 6 log homes including the family residence east of Findlay. He also owned and operated A-1 Tree Service. He served as a volunteer fireman for the Findlay Fire District and also served as a paramedic on the Findlay ambulance crew for several years. Fred and his wife were foster parents for 20 years and fostered over 42 children. He was a member of the Clarene Bixler American Legion Post #409 as well as a past Post Commander, a member of the VFW in Vandalia and a member of the First Christian Church in Findlay, serving on the church board as a trustee for several years. Fred enjoyed hunting, fishing, and driving his 32 Ford Coupe. He loved auctions, enjoyed collecting marbles, antiques, and knives of all shapes and sizes, (at one time he had a collection of over 600 knives). Fred instilled a strong work ethic in his children, the importance of family, taught them to help and respect others, be creative, and to never buy what you can make or fix yourself.

Fred is survived by his wife of 47 years, Chris Eadie Tippit; daughters, Debora (Charles) Cooper of Liberty, SC, Rhonda (Dan) Ficaro of Las Vegas, NV, Melissa (Chris) Hampton of Windsor, Heather (Jason) Storm of Shelbyville; sons, Tim (Rose) Tippit of Telico Plains, TN, Fred (Karen) Tippit, Findlay, Michael (Sally) Voyles of Meridan, GA, Nicholas Voyles (Penny Standerfer) of Shelbyville, and Jeremy (Tammy) Tippit of Sullivan; grandchildren; Christopher (Sabrina) Levey, Jennifer Strumillo, Stefan (Kristin) Kasprazak, Alex O’Brien, Timmy (Jamie) O’Brien, Cameron (Lorissa) Tippit, Blake (Nita) Tippit, Dina (Michael) Cimarusti, Nellie (Ben) Stewart, Nikki (Brent) Nelson, Ridge (Paige) Tippit, Janie (Josh) Rhodes, Garrett (Lizzy) Tippit, Zachary (Becky) Voyles, Morgan (J T) Wiley, Gage (Kaitlyn) Sattler, Eli (Mindy) Sattler, Elizabeth, Joseph, and Alexandra Hampton, Danielle (Jeran) Craig, and Hannah, Alivia, and Ella Tippit; 28 great-grandchildren with 4 more on the way, and several nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his comfort cat, Expo, and his trusted companion, Ruger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Vera Jane Tippit; brother, Albert (Pete) Tippitt; sisters, Georgiana Massey, June Bina, Nancy Voyles, and Ina Colclasure.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clarence Bixler American Legion Post #409 of Findlay or the Findlay Christian Church and mailed to Howe and Yockey Funeral Home 415 N. Broadway, Shelbyville, IL 62565. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home.