Melvin Everett Leroy Tipton, Jr., 79, passed away June 23, 2024, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born September 1, 1944, in Washington, D.C. to Melvin Everett Leroy and Faye (Perryman) Tipton, Sr.
Melvin served in the military, where he made a career of defending our nation and mentoring the soldiers that he led. He also worked for both the City of Hutchinson and Reno County fire departments throughout his storied career of over 30 years. He retired as the Arson Investigator for the City of Hutchinson and as a First Sergeant in the Army. Melvin enjoyed cooking, watching sporting events and old western movies, and spending time with family. He was a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and the VFW post 1361 both of Hutchinson.
On December 23, 1978, he married the love of his life, Melva Jane Smith, in Hutchinson. They shared 44 years of marriage, before her death on November 23, 2022. After both Melvin and Melva retired, they gave up their hobbies and just spent quality time with each other, which was all they needed.
Melvin is survived by: sons, Melvin L. Tipton, III (Amy Scott) of Wichita and Kevin D. Tipton of Hutchinson; siblings, Mary Alice Jackson (Albert), Michael W. Tipton (Allison), and Michelle Kay Johnson; grandchildren, Sierra Cash, Katana Tipton, Maleah Tipton, Erin Tipton, Brooke Whitford, Kevin Tipton, Jr., Olivia Tipton, Arionna Tipton, Kylea Tipton, Jourden Tipton, Andrew Sanburn and Jacob Knudsen; great-grandchildren, Amitai Tipton-Holmes, Aiko Tipton-Holmes, and Arthur Sanburn; and many more loving family members.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; daughter, Jennifer Knudsen; son, Aaron Tipton; siblings, Dorothea “Elaine” C. Brashears, and William Howard “Butch” Tipton; brother-in-law, Steve Johnson.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Elliott Chapel, with the Reverend William J. Green, Sr. officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.
Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary. A Luncheon for the family after the service will be held at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1015 E 7th Ave in Hutchinson. The VFW Post 1361 will also be open until 10pm on Tuesday, located at 328 N Van Buren St in Hutchinson for the family and friends.
Click here to view Melvin's funeral service.
Memorials are suggested to the Hutchinson Fire Department, The VFW Post 1361, or the Melvin Tipton, Jr. Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. To benefit the Melvin Tipton, Jr. Memorial Fund, please make checks payable to Elliott Mortuary.