Robert Tipton

Bob Tipton modeled a lifetime of selflessly giving to the family he loved. An extraordinary mentor, coach, principal, and educator, Bob’s legacy of challenging youth to be the best they can be will live on for years to come. His ability to see every challenge as an opportunity and his fun-loving personality will be the gifts that all those who knew him will fondly remember. He is now at peace but will be deeply missed by his many special friends and loved ones. Cloyd and Ruth (Coulter) Tipton welcomed their newborn son, Robert Dean, on July 19, 1933. Born in his grandparent’s farmhouse in Westville, Indiana, his birth was a blessing to his loving family.

Growing up in Gary, Indiana, Bob’s childhood was etched with hardships as well as many fond memories. Due to his family’s economic struggles in the 1930s, Bob learned to live within his means at an early age and never took things for granted. Out-going as well as good-natured, those he met never stayed a stranger for long! In his eyes, all people were worthy of acceptance. He had a wide variety of friends from all different nationalities and walks of life. He was active on the Lew Wallace High School basketball team and also ran track and cross country, continuing his participation in these activities even onto his college teams. Bob originally enrolled at Missouri State, where he had been offered a scholarship to run cross country, but only stayed for one week due to the school giving his promised scholarship to someone else. He then enrolled at Idaho State, where he stayed until he was drafted into the United States Army. Bob was proud to serve his country working as a company clerk during his time in Korea. After he was discharged, he enrolled at Western Kentucky where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education. Over his time as an educator, Bob left a lasting imprint on the lives of countless students.

One of the most significant moments in his life was the meeting of his beloved wife, Beth Mohney. They were introduced while attending a church potluck, and their first official date was picking blueberries together. Both avid nature lovers, they made an instant connection and began dating. Beth was drawn to Bob’s gentle nature and the “bachelor” was ready to settle down. The two love birds joined hands in marriage on June 12, 1965, in Gary, Indiana. Not surprisingly, they chose a fishing trip to Wisconsin for their honeymoon. Fishing was something they both enjoyed throughout their married years. Together they raised four wonderful children. In 1969, Bob and Beth moved to a four-bedroom home on five acres of land in Scotts. Originally thought to be their first home until they could afford a place on the lake, this became their forever home and where many special memories were made. They converted some of their land to grow asparagus and enjoyed selling crops for over thirty years! The rest of the property was meticulously cared for and beautifully landscaped with a pool and flower beds that Bob and Beth enjoyed maintaining.

As a father, Bob was actively involved in his children’s lives. He taught them the value of a strong work ethic and to take advantage of each and every opportunity. When it came to discipline, they knew that he had a soft side and always asked him for permission after Beth had said no! He kept his family well cared for through his work as an educator. Over the course of his thirty-year career, Bob had taught 4th through 6th grades, physical education, and spent his final 17 working years as the principal of Climax-Scotts Elementary. His time there was ultimately his favorite as he had hand-picked his staff, only hiring the best of the best in his eyes.

Despite the demands of his career, Bob always enjoyed spending time with the kids. Bonding time may have been going to a Western Michigan University basketball game, attending a music or drama performance, or fishing. They hold many special memories of gardening with him all while enjoying his wily sense of humor! Any time they were together, there was surely fun to be had! If any of them ever needed him, he was always there to help in any way. Bob loved his children and wanted nothing more than to share in their every success.

Retiring in 1990 afforded Bob time for his many special pastimes. He was an avid Indiana University basketball fan and enjoyed cheering them on for years. In addition to his gardening, he also loved to play golf. He and Beth shared a love of travel and were so grateful for the resources to travel overseas to Czechoslovakia and Italy. They also took a cruise and had a memorable vacation in California. Bob never saw any of his good fortune as guaranteed. His dedication to his work is what helped secure their funds to travel, a gift that he always cherished. He counted all that he had as a blessing because of his humble childhood, but above all else, his family was his most important treasure. Bob loved his role as a grandpa and revisited many of his favorite activities from fatherhood with his granddaughters. He was immensely proud of each one of them. A man of faith, he was always grateful for a life so richly blessed. Bob will forever be known as a strong provider and wonderful role model to his family. He touched the hearts of many during his lifetime. May his legacy live on in the hearts of those he loved and may his memories be eternal.

Robert Dean Tipton passed away at his home on January 15, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife, Beth of 56 years; children: Nathaniel Tipton, Elizabeth (Ryan) Heath, Craig (Kelli) Tipton, Tracey Tipton (Joe Holzschuh) granddaughters: Grace and Joell Tipton, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Cloyd and Ruth (Coulter) Tipton, brothers, and sister in laws: Erwin (Carolyn) Tipton and Charles (Eleanor) Tipton, and nephew, Dale Tipton. Cremation has taken place. Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks, and stories will be shared on Thursday (Jan 27) from 4-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Life Story Services will be held at 11 am on Friday (Jan 28) at the same location. Visit Bob’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos and sign his guestbook. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association at alz.org or Lending Hands of Michigan.