John Burwell Tipton, 87, of Lawson, Mo., passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and complications from strokes.
John was born on September 17, 1933 to Lucille Elizabeth Murphy Tipton and Stribling Burwell Tipton of Paris, Mo. He lived with his grandparents for a time during his youth. He loved horses and was a local jockey at the Paris fairgrounds. Later, he judged Tennessee walking horse classes at shows around the state. He graduated from North Kansas City High School.
John was a Korean Army Veteran receiving a Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
After the service, John leased several service stations in the KC area. In the 60’s, he joined Western Bakers Supply as a salesman and then became manager of the Kansas City branch. He went on to work for Dawn Food Products, becoming the key account manager responsible for Walmart and then Sam’s Clubs where he oversaw the opening of the first 100+ Sam’s Clubs bakeries across the country. He retired after 40 years in the bakery distribution business.
He was a member of the Lawson United Christian Presbyterian Church.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Margaret G. Tipton; his parents and step-parents; his in-laws, Paul and Mary Toombs; sister-in-law, Betty Mosher; brother-in-law, Ray Mosher; brother-in-law, Jim Toombs; and many of his good friends including Dayton Holt, Don Maddux, and Earl Miller.
John leaves behind his three children and their spouses, Paul and Terry Tipton, Tim and Joy Tipton, and Shelly and Tim Brown; 10 grandchildren (who are all sure they were his favorite); 21 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; as well as his older brother, Bill and his wife, Madeline, sister-in-law, Pat Toombs, and many nieces and nephews.
John will be in-state for viewing from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday, November 6, 2020 at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home Lawson Chapel. Graveside service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Lawson Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Lawson Booster Club, c/o Lawson High School, 600 Bob Gill Dr., Lawson, MO 64062.
Our Sincere Condolences
I am so sorry to hear about your father and grandfather. Reading the obituary brought back so many memories for me, being raised on a farm in NE Missouri with our Tennessee Walkers and rounding up cattle on horseback. I know you have many beautiful memories. My condolences to all the family.
Pamela Wares
This makes me sad.
He was such a good man and one of my favorite residents at the manor.
Yvette Howard
Sending our thoughts and prayers to all the Tipton family. Have so many good memories with John and Margaret and the rest of the family at all the gatherings at their home and at Ann and Bob Crowleys – they were good times.
Barbara Callaway
Another good one gone….. so many fun memories growing up.
Pam Handley
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Always enjoyed visiting with John and Margaret over the years. I fondly remember a spur of the moment trip to Columbia with John and Margaret for the State High School Basketball Championship. John was a fine man and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Ed Weissenbach
To Tim and Joy and the rest of the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Charlene G Brunner
Paul, Tim, and Shelly:
I was so sorry to hear about the passing your Dad. He was such a great guy, and our Dad’s were such good friends. My Dad talked about John all the time, they had some great adventures together, and I know they missed not having more time in their later years. Our prayers are with your family.
Toby Miller
Paul and Tim,
I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, he was a great man and a pillar to his community, sorry I just found out. God Bless your families.
Gary Van Hooser
Paul, Tim, Shelly and all of the Tipton family,
I would like to offer my belated but sincere condolences on John’s death. I remember him fondly, particularly for his sense of humor. I recall watching him go from serious to teasing seamlessly. I often waited in anticipation for the person teased to react. I also knew him as a caring and interesting person. As in all relationships, I remember aspects of John that are unit to our connection and I remember him fondly. I know he lives on in his wonderful family.
Jack Wills
