[ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

Vern D Phipps

PHIPPS

Posted By: Pat Frette (email)
Date: 4/29/2009 at 11:22:13

Vern Daniel Phipps, age 85, of Pilot Mound, passed away at the Stratford Care and Rehab Center in Stratford, on April 13, 2009. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 18, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Schroeder Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall with Rev. Duane Lundberg officiating. Military graveside honors will be conducted by the Boone Veterans Council and burial will be in the Mineral Ridge Cemetery in Ridgeport.
Vern was born August 1, 1923, the son of Joseph A. and Jessie G. (Bailey) Phipps in Fraser, Iowa. He grew up in Fraser and on the "Snake Ranch" north of town along the Des Moines River. He attended Boone High School two years and graduated from Pilot Mound High School as valedictorian in 1941. Vern helped his parents farm until the United States Army drafted him in 1944 during World War II. He served with the 77th Infantry Division as a rifleman in the Pacific Theater against the Japanese. Vern participated in "Operation Iceberg" on the island of Okinawa. He also served with the United States Army Air Forces during the occupation of Japan directly after their surrender. Decorations received include Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Good Conduct, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, WW II Victory, Army of Occupation and Philippine Liberation Medals. Vern re-enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1949, serving through the Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, and into the Vietnam War until retiring in 1967. He served at various air bases across the country and abroad in England, Greenland, Japan, Korea, and Thailand. His areas of service included Jet Engine Analysis Technician for P-51 Fighter planes and F-86 Sabre jets, Missile Systems Analysis Specialist for Atlas Nuclear Missiles with the Strategic Aerospace Division, and member of Air/Sea Rescue Helicopter Squadron. Decorations received include Air Force Commendation, Good Conduct with Four Bronze Knots, National Defense Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary, United Nations Korean Service, and Vietnam Service Medals, Outstanding Unit Award and Air Force Longevity Service Award with Four Oak Leaf Clusters. After his military retirement, Vern lived in Vietnam and Korea and then returned home to his farm east of Pilot Mound in 1974. He was also employed at Oscar Mayer in Perry, Rolfes Company, Chicago Northwestern Railroad, and Quinn's Foundry in Boone.
Vern enjoyed the simpler things in life such as history, reading, gardening, bird watching, mushroom hunting, caring for his dogs, and time with friends. He dearly loved his country. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign War #817 in Boone and a member of Groom-Kimsey American Legion Post #16 in Pilot Mound.
Survivors include a sister, Lois M. Walters of Denver, Colorado, and a brother, James V. Phipps and wife, Twila of Pilot Mound. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive Vern. His parents and two brothers, Leslie D. and Joie W. Phipps preceded him in death.
Friends may call at the Schroeder Memorial Chapel on Friday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. where the family will be present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Visitation continues Saturday at the funeral chapel from 8:00 a.m. until the servicetime. Memorials may be directed to the family to be used at their discretion. Boone News Republican


 

Boone Obituaries maintained by Lynn Diemer-Mathews.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen

[ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]