Jessie "Wayne" Tipton, Sr.

Jessie “Wayne” Tipton, Sr., age 91, Erwin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, while he was surrounded by his family at their residence. He was born in Erwin on May 31, 1931, to the late Herman Joe Tipton and Belle Phillips Tipton. Wayne lived most of his life in San Angelo, Texas before moving back to Erwin in October of 2017.

Wayne joined the United States Army in February 1946 when he was only fourteen years old. He was assigned to the 21st Air SV Group. While he was in the Army, Wayne was awarded a WWII Victory Medal and a Army of Occupation Medal Japan. He was honorably discharged from the Army in August of 1947. Wayne decided to re-enlist in the military so, he joined the United States Air Force where he served his country honorably for twenty-six years. He retired as a Master Sergeant and was Food Service Director. Also, Wayne oversaw the NCO Club. He was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. Wayne loved his country, being a military man, working hard and he adored his extended military family. During his time in the military, he met and married his wife in Japan.

After he retired from the Air Force Wayne worked for the City of San Angelo as a Land Surveyor and he was Kitchen Director of the San Angelo Senior Citizens Center. Wayne was an amazing cook and he enjoyed cooking for large gatherings. His favorite hobby and pastime was fishing. Wayne was a talented carpenter, he could build anything and he enjoyed making furniture for his family members. He was an excellent ice sculptor too. Wayne collected arrowheads and was always hunting for them no matter where he was.

Wayne had such a kind, generous and loving heart which was apparent by his sweet, smiling face. He loved everyone and, Wayne never met a stranger. He was quite the storyteller; he was always ready to share one of his many adventurous stories with family and friends. Wayne liked to laugh a lot and he liked to make others smile. He attended Lily Dale Christian Church. Wayne will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of forty-four years, Hiroko Ohno; his eldest son, Jessie Wayne Tipton, Jr.; his only sister, Patsy Bennett and her husband, Ronnie Bennett and his sister-in-law, Joan Tipton.

Wayne leaves behind to treasure his memory, his three children: Thomas Tipton, San Angelo, TX, Carol Pinkston (Marty), San Antonio, TX and John Tipton (Lisa), Erwin; five grandchildren: Michael Martinez, Tony Tipton, Stephanie Pinkston, Cindy Pinkston and Sarah Tipton; several great grandchildren; four brothers: Frank Tipton (Jeanette), Erwin, Ron Tipton (Lois), Johnson City, Leon Tipton and Kyle Tipton (Josie), all of Erwin; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the ladies working at the Quick Stop (Food Shop) for being so good to Wayne when he came there to eat and buy his scratch off tickets. You ladies helped him feel very independent over the past three years. Also, thank you to Amedysis Hospice staff, Peggy and Wanda from Brighter Days for all the love and care given to Wayne.

A private family viewing will be held for Wayne at the funeral home, and he will be entombed at Evergreen Cemetery.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Tipton family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Tipton family. (423) 743-1380.

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