Edgar Nathaniel Tipton Jr.

Edgar Nathaniel Tipton, Jr., son of Edgar Nathaniel Tipton, Senior and Thelma B. Lasley Tipton, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on April 9, 1951. Ed joined church and was baptized at Mount Paran Baptist Church at the age of eight.

Ed spent his childhood years in the neighborhood of Haughville and attended Public School 75. Growing up, he was a loyal Boy and Eagle Scout where he earned numerous badges and certificates. A graduate of George Washington High School in 1969, Ed was involved in many facets of the high school experience. He served in the drum and bugle corps and enjoyed drums throughout his life ever since he received a beautiful set from his parents while in grade school. This created some consternation from his sisters when he played the drums incessantly, until he decided to show them how to play them. He held many drum sessions with his friends and family throughout his high school years. He was Senior Class President, member of the National Honor Society, Debate Team, Student Council Vice President, and National Forensic League. He graduated from DePauw University in 1973, where he served as the president of the Association of African American Students. He received his MBA from Indianapolis University.

Ed worked as an inhalation therapist during high school and college at Indiana University’s Medical Center. Shortly after college, he had a very productive career as branch bank manager for Indiana National Bank. Later he developed a consulting firm in which he served in community development. Later in life, he joined Community Action of Greater Indianapolis, from which he retired from his role as President.

Ed was dedicated to his spiritual pursuits and had a true heart for serving his community. He received recognition for his service from the YMCA, Big Brothers, Center for Leadership Development (CLD), Indiana Black Expo, and the Indiana Community Action Association.

Ed loved his family and had a strong commitment to God and Christ to the very end of this life. He had a passion for music, movies, sports, the arts and traveling. He was always the man behind the camera. His dream career would have been a race car driver. An IU, Pacer and Colts fan, he loved basketball and football. Ed had an inspiring personality; he had a great sense of humor and truly a wonderful touching smile. Most people who knew him, especially friends and family, considered him to be a very sweet individual who was tenacious about the things he strived for in life and life itself.

Eddie (“Tip” or “Munch” as he was known by family and friends) passed away on February 26, 2022, surrounded by those who dearly loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory Nikki A. Shaw, his forever soulmate; his three sisters: Sandra Tipton, Sherrie Tipton-Tinsley, and Carolyn Alexander; a niece, Rhonda Rudolph; nephews; Rodney Alexander, William Christopher Alexander, and Darryl Alexander; a host of grand nieces and nephews; Nikki’s children and grandchildren who will always hold a special place in their hearts for Ed; dear lifelong friends, Jim and Wendy Robinson; his godchildren who will truly miss him; and a host of loving extended family members and friends.

Throughout his illness Ed asked that we tell all those sending him so much love and prayers that he loved them. To know Ed was to know a true friendship and loving heart. He will be missed by all. Rest my dear one.