James Stewart “Stu” Hippensteel of Warsaw, passed away at 5:45 p.m. Monday, June 29, 2015, at his residence in Warsaw at the age of 94.
He graduated from Chester Township High School with the class of 1940. He helped his parent’s farm until their death in the early 1950’s. He went to work for Warner Brooder Company for 14 years, then he answered a help wanted ad in the newspaper which brought him to Warsaw. It was a plumbing and heating supply company called Walmer Supply. After passing a course in plumbing and heating, they put him in charge of selling kitchen and bath cabinets at Walco Home Center. He really loved his job and did so for over 33 years, retiring in 2000. After a short time, about twelve friends got to playing euchre going from home to home especially at birthday time.
Stu was a member of Lake City Lions Club for over 45 years. In his retirement he worked as a greeter at Wal-Mart in Warsaw for fifteen years. He spent many happy years with his wife Bonnie doing some traveling and also square dancing, which they did for 22 years. He was known and loved for his dedication to his family. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren…he especially loved being called Grandpa!
He was born on March 31, 1921, in Wabash County near Urbana, to James Calvin Hippensteel and Bessie Edith (Kendall) Hippensteel. On Oct. 4, 1958 he was married to Bonnie Ilene (Rule) LaVine Hippensteel. They shared nearly 55 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on September 2, 2013.
He leaves behind his son: Michael LaVine, Mont.; daughter: Renee (Jim) Guy, Warsaw; five grandchildren: Kimberly (Gordon) Best, Mont.; Matthew Guy; Jacob (Sara) Guy; Erin Guy; and Ethan Guy, all of Warsaw; five great-grandchildren: Colton; Zachary; Kaylynn; Jenae; and Adam; and two sisters: Mabel Coble, Fort Wayne; Edith (Cecil) Jenkins, North Manchester. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister: Pauline Carter; and infant sister.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. There will also be an hour of viewing prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. His service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 4, at the funeral home. A graveside service will follow at Etna Green Cemetery, Etna Green.
Memorial donations may be directed to Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, Warsaw, to go towards the Ramp Fund; or to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice, Warsaw, and would be appreciated by his family.