Ralph Chipman

Ralph V. Chipman, 87, of Plainfield, IL, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2016, at the Harbor Chase Assisted Living complex in Plainfield.Visitation, with the family present, will be on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, September 22, 2016, at Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Regan Stoops officiating. Interment will be in the Forest Home Cemetery. Gifts of love and friendship may be given to the Alzheimer's Association. On-line condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com.Born November 3, 1928, in Senath, MO, Ralph Vernon was the son of Beecher E. and Winifred Jewell (Bailey) Chipman. He earned a diploma from Burlington High School and attended Northwestern University in Chicago. On June 20, 1948, Ralph married Valerie B. Scarff in Mt. Pleasant, IA.At age 16, Ralph became the night ticket agent at the Mt. Pleasant railroad depot. For several years, he worked for CBQ Railroad advancing to the position of transportation inspector. In 1963, Ralph became a State Farm Insurance agent and continued along that career path, retiring 23 years later, during which time he achieved Charter Life Underwriter status. Influenced by his grandparents, Ralph had unconditional love for his family making them his highest priority by encouraging them and supporting their activities. Ralph was of the Christian faith, was a hard worker, had a great sense of humor, and kept busy at all times. He enjoyed reading, which added to his large vocabulary, and gardening, especially working with tomatoes and trees. He belonged to Toastmasters and Rotary, and liked to fly his airplane named Romeo Charlie. Along with his loving wife, Valerie, of 68 years, Ralph is survived by one son, Jeffrey Chipman of Springfield, MO; three daughters, Diane (Glen) Joyce of Temecula, CA, Debora (David) Allred of Marion, IL, and Mary Beth Chipman of Cedar Rapids, IA; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. He is also survived by beloved members of his wife's family (Jesse and Hillary Scarff).Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donald Chipman; and a sister, Dixie Lee Dodd. Cemetery Details Forest Home Cemetery South Walnut Street Mt. Pleasant, IA, 52641 Family will be present SEP 21. 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel 709 Mapleleaf Drive Mt Pleasant, IA, US, 52641 olsonpowell@lisco.com Funeral Service SEP 22. 10:30 AM Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel 709 Mapleleaf Drive Mt Pleasant, IA, US, 52641 olsonpowell@lisco.com