Tipton

John Jason Tipton, 88, of Butler passed away Wednesday at the Good Samaritan Hospice Unit in Jefferson Township.

He was born Feb. 19, 1922, in Butler, the son of the late Jason John Tipton and Margaret (List) Tipton.

John lived the American dream. He married his sweetheart, Ginny, and they lived 68 happy active years together.

He fought bravely for his country during World War II. He flew 51 missions in the hostile skies over Europe as a ball turret gunner. Many of these missions were to some of the most dangerous and deadly targets in Europe. He was a member of the VFW 249 and the DAV.

After the war, he returned to work at Armco. His hard work, dedication and unique mechanical and electrical ability allowed him to advance into a management position in Hot and Cold Mill Maintenance. He retired from Armco after 31 years.

For 10 years, he operated a KOA campground near Bradford, with his wife and family. Much of his later life was spent traveling or in Ft. Myers, Fla.

John accomplished much during his life, but was most proud of his family. His extraordinary work ethic, generosity, inner strength and integrity live on in each of his six sons. He was a true American hero, who fought for his country, worked hard, loved his wife and family and taught his family by his example how to live a good life.

He is survived by his wife Virginia Lee Tipton; six sons, Bernard J. Tipton of Virginia, Kenneth D. Tipton of Bradford, Gary L. Tipton of Cranberry Township, Bruce W. Tipton of San Diego, Joel H. Tipton of Butler and Eric R. Tipton of Mountain View, Calif.; 13 grandchildren and 15.5 great grandchildren.

<B>TIPTON</B> — A memorial service for John Jason Tipton, who died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, will be at <B>Young Funeral Home</B>, 127 W. Jefferson St., Butler at 2 p.m. Monday with Dr. Rev. Curtis McDaniel officiating. Military honors will be held by VFW Post 249 and American Legion Post 778.Contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America Memorial Program, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.For more information, go to www.youngfuneralhomes.com.