John Tipton

JOHN SHERMAN TIPTON 77, of Mancelona, passed away Nov. 9, 2008 at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire after a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Sherm was born in Antrim on December 24, 1930 to Earl and Eva (Beebe) Tipton. He spent his early childhood in Antrim until age six when his family moved to Edelstein, Illinois. They lived there for six years. Sherm moved back to Mancelona in 1941 and attended Mancelona Schools. His favorite pastime during the summer months was playing around and on Hot Water Lake where he had a raft made of old Iron Company ties and boards. Winters were spent sledding on Nelson Valley hills. His first early jobs were picking beans and cucumbers for area farmers and picking up potatoes in the fall. Later he worked at Meadowbrook Farm in Bellaire. He was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict, receiving his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO., where he was in the 66 Engineers. He was stationed in England during his tour of duty. Returning home he was employed at Mt. Clemens Metal Products for a number of years. He became a licensed electrician and worked at various places in Michigan and Texas. Sherm was an accomplished musician on guitar and mouth organ and played in many country bands in the area, one being Del Dewey's of Alden. He enjoyed singing Country and Gospel songs, wrote a song about Dead Man's Hill which he recorded and had published. On February 1, 1964 he was united in marriage to the former Janice Morningstar. To this union three children were born. Later they were divorced and he married Patricia Morningstar. He was preceded in death by Patricia, his parents and two granddaughters. He is survived by two sons, Sherman Jr., and Brian, and daughter Teri; several grandchildren and step grandchildren, five brothers, Vernon, Herbert, Kenneth, Charles, and Manuel; six sisters, Lula, Mearry, Laura, Margaret, Nancy, Linda, and Bonnie; many nieces and nephews and other relatives. Sherm enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, playing guitar and computers. He was very artistic, tanning many deer and animal hides to make knife holders, belts and guitar straps which he burned fancy designs in. He even tanned a coon hide and made several coonskin hats with tails hanging down the back. He drew many sketches of wild animals in tree settings and outdoor scenes. He will be fondly remembered. A memorial service will be held at the Antrim Church of Christ, Friday, November 21, 2008 at 1:00 pm. In Lou of flowers please make a donation for the family. Arrangements have been handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign our online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.