Michael Joseph Tippets

Michael Joseph Tippets, 63, passed away Saturday, June 4, 2011 at McKay-Dee Hospital.

He was born January 17, 1948 in Ogden, Utah to Joseph and Joyce Jones Tippets. He graduated from Weber High School in 1966 where he lettered in wrestling. He loved his high school years and often reminisced with friends and family about "the good old days" with his buddies at Weber High.

On August 11, 1972, Michael married Dixie Lee Thomas for time and all eternity in the Ogden LDS Temple. He was attracted to her fiery red hair and beautiful smile.

He retired from Hill Air Force Base in September 2006 after 39 years of federal service. His most memorable time at Hill Field was spent working on the Minute Man Missile and he received many awards, including the Commander''s Coin, for his advances and innovations in the workplace. His co-workers called him "Tippey." Upon retiring, he rewarded himself with a brand new Ford Diesel truck, which was a life-long dream.

Michael was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a scout leader, young men''s president, and as the ward membership clerk. The scouts enjoyed listening to his terrifying ghost stories around the campfire, and often mistook his loud snoring for a wild animal.

Michael was a proud member of the NRA and enjoyed target-shooting and hunting with his family. He loved Memorial Day weekend because he could go camping with Dixie on her birthday. Michael enjoyed riding motorcycles and 4-wheelers, camping, and talking about solar energy. He was a science fiction buff and dreamed about traveling in outer space. Papa especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Michael is survived by his wife, Dixie Lee; their children, Dawn (Justin) Wright, Clinton; Christy (Gerri) Clark, St. George; Joseph (Elba) Tippets, Charles Town, West Virginia; John (Tarra) Tippets, North Ogden; ten grandchildren; his mother, Joyce Tippets, West Haven; three brothers, Roger (Diane) Tippets, Farr West; Steven Tippets, North Ogden; Tim (Denise) Tippets, Clearfield; and two sisters, Jody (Hans) Vanderbeek, Island Park, Idaho; and Linda (Robert) Chapman, Roy.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Tippets, also of West Haven, Utah.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 10th at 2 p.m. at the Country Meadows Ward Chapel, 3330 South 4700 West, West Haven.

The family will meet with friends on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South and one hour prior to the services, 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at the church.

Interment, Hooper Cemetery.

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com