Kendall L. Tippett, 82, of Monmouth, died at 4:25 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2021, in the Monmouth Nursing Home.
He was born November 9, 1938, in Little York, the son of Robert and Anna (Beal) Tippett. He married Rose M. Ross on June 4, 1961, in Monmouth. She preceded him in death May 12, 2020, after nearly 59 years of marriage.
He is survived by three sons, Rodney (Todd Ettinger) Tippett of Galesburg, Robert (Kayla) Tippett of Monmouth, and James Tippett of Chicago; and two grandchildren, Nathan Tippett and Jenna Tippett. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Myrna Dahlgren and Donna Mewes.
He graduated from Biggsville High School in 1956. In his early days he enjoyed drag racing, and his future wife enjoyed telling family about their first dates in his stripped-down dragster automobile. Kendall enjoyed collecting many things, most notably vintage Ford Thunderbirds and American Flyer toy trains.
Kendall and his father worked the family farm and operated a bulldozing business together for many years. He was also the owner/operator of Tippett Saw Mill, a family sawmill and logging business run on the farm, and well known throughout western Illinois. Later, Kendall was a union heavy equipment operator with IUOE Local 150 for several years before retiring.
Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Due to guidelines associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and facemasks will be required with limited occupancy. Cremation will be accorded following the visitation with burial later in Warren County Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Monmouth Nursing Home. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
