Robert E. “Doggie” Lipker, 76, of Ironton, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2009, at his residence.
The Ironton native was born Aug. 14, 1932, the son of the late Edward and Jean Lynd Lipker. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna Herrell Lipker, whom he married Aug. 24, 1957.
Mr. Lipker attended Ironton City Schools and was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving during the Korean War. He was a former letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, former employee of Bob Linn’s Sporting Goods and the Henrite Products Corporation. He was grand marshal of the Ironton- Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade in 1986, a sanctioned umpire in Lawrence County and a past commander of the V.F.W. Post 8850. He also served three terms on the Ironton City Council, served on the appeals board and the recreational board for the City of Ironton. He spent his life playing, coaching and umpiring ball and many hours on the porch talking and waving to people as they went to and from the football games and the dentist’s office. He helped anyone he could and was known as the man in the swing in the white T-shirt. Above all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Dick Lipker and Jack Lipker.
In addition to his wife, he was also survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Jeff Kemper of Ironton; a granddaughter, Robilyn Kemper of Ironton and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Hayes-Phillips Funeral Home with Minister Jimmy Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the V.F.W. 8850. Friends may call 6-9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Jeff Kemper, Tony Herrell, Jim Herrell, Gene Myers, Brandon Monnig, Tom Willis, Doug Cade, and Nathan Boll and honorary pallbearer will be Zaylin Willis. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.