John Robert Whipple

Urbandale

John Robert Whipple, 86, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2013, at Senior Suites of Urbandale. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with burial at the Agency, Iowa Cemetery.

John was born in Wapello County, IA on July 12, 1926 to Don and Patricia Whipple. On April 8, 1944, John was united in marriage to Grace Irene Wellman. Shortly after, he enlisted in the Navy, where he was assigned to the aircraft carrier, U. S. S. Randolph. He served for the last several months of WWII, and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received on March 11, 1945. After returning home from the war, John farmed in the Ottumwa area, before moving the family to Des Moines in 1957. He retired from the U. S. Postal Service in 1986. John was an active member of the Greater Des Moines Umpires Association and was recognized by them for 25 years of service. He was also a member of Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church.

John is survived by two daughters, Mary Helen (John) Stone of Blue Springs, MO and Connie (Charles) Kimpston of Polk City; daughter-in-law, Deborah Whipple of Indianola; grandchildren, Carrie (Scott) Turner of Lee’s Summit, MO, Kim (Karen) Belanger of Kirksville, MO, Jeff and Paul Whipple of Indianola, Brett Shedd and Julie Miller of Polk City; great-grandchildren, Kaydee Belanger, Zachary and Jordan Turner and Jory Miller. John is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Grace; son, John Robert Whipple II; grandson, Matthew John Shedd; parents; and sisters, Kay Newton and Patty Anderson.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at McLaren’s Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church or Hospice of Central Iowa.