Feb. 22, 1926 - March 20, 2012

ELKHART — Harold J. Tippet, 86 of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at Riverside Village in Elkhart.

He was born Feb. 22, 1926, in Berkley, Mich., to Paul and Susie Mae (Radcliff) Tippet. On Oct. 11, 1946, he married Frances M. (Augustine) Tippet in Granger. She survives at home.

Other survivors include a daughter, Beth Tippet of Grand Rapids, Mich.; three brothers, Don (Rosa) Tippet of Moreno Valley, Calif., Richard Tippet of Chehalis, Wash., and Bill (Hilda) Tippet of Santa Clarita, Calif.; sister Margaret Layng of Springfield, Ore.; grandson Matt Marone of Elkhart; and one great-granddaughter, Mable Marone of Elkhart.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Paul Tippet, and one sister, Nancy Shimp.

Harold proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked as a floor mechanic for several years and later was the owner of Triangle Floor Covering in Elkhart for 39 years.

Harold loved spending time in his vegetable garden and sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. He also enjoyed restoring and selling antiques.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the 3 p.m. memorial service Saturday, March 24, 2012, at New Salem United Methodist Church, 52173 Ash Road, Granger. Pastor Michael Jenkins will officiate. Interment of his cremated remains will be held at a later date at Salem Cemetery where military honors will be rendered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or Salem United Methodist Church Pre-School.

Online condolences may reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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