James F. “Mole” Hipple, 90, of Chicora died Saturday at Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Butler, following a lingering illness.

Born April 25, 1927, in Chicora, he was the son of William Hipple and Agnes Kubeck Hipple.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II proudly serving his country from 1945 to 1947 in the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper in Germany.

He was a member of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Chicora, a member of the Chicora American Legion, the VFW and a life member of the Chicora Moose.

He worked 41 years at Armco in the melt shop. Jim enjoyed going to the horse races, especially at Waterford Downs in West Virginia.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Uenking Hipple, whom he married Aug. 13, 1966; his son, Jim Hipple and his wife, Dani, of Sligo, Pa.; two grandchildren, Dylan and Paige Hipple; one great-grandson, Carson Heeter; one sister, Margaret and Ed Young of Butler; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Hipple, who died July 21, 1986; his brother, Ross Hipple; and his sister, Helen Hetrick.

HIPPLE — Friends of James F. “Mole” Hipple, who died Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, will be received Wednesday from 9 a.m. until time of a blessing service at 11 a.m. at the STEIGHNER FUNERAL HOME, 111 E. Slippery Rock and Main streets, Chicora, with the Rev. John Butler officiating.

Full military honors will be provided by the Chicora VFW, the Chicora and Bradys Bend American Legion and the 99th Readiness Command of Butler. Interment will immediately follow in Hemphill Cemetery in Chicora.

For information, directions and to extend condolences to Jim’s family go to www.steighnerfuneralhome.com.