Gary Allen Lipe, age 74, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away on June 11, 2021 in Evansville, Indiana surrounded by his family. Gary was retired and had owned his own custodial business in Mount Vernon, Illinois for many years. Gary served as SP5 in the United States Army from 1969 – 1971 and was stationed in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas during the Vietnam War. Gary married the love of his life, Connie L. (Hicks) on March 21, 1966 at Camp Ground Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois and they made their home in Aurora, Illinois. Ten years later, they welcomed home their child, K.W. Lipe. Gary and Connie recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Gary was a beloved husband and father, but he was also a good friend. When Gary met someone he liked, they were usually friends for life. Gary had a wonderful sense of humor and was amused by practical jokes. Gary enjoyed cooking, grilling, and gardening. He liked working outside and taking care of his home. He also loved animals and watching Westerns on TV.
A Graveside Service will be held Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Hopewell Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Illinois with Reverend David Schlag officiating. Full Military Rites will be held by American Legion Post #141 at the cemetery. Inurnment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gary’s honor to Horses for Heroes. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
He was survived by his wife, Connie L. (Hicks) Lipe of Mount Vernon, Illinois; his child, K.W. Lipe and wife, Christina of Mount Vernon, Illinois; grandson, Brian M. Williams of Mount Vernon, Illinois; brother, Clyde Richard “Dick” Lipe and wife, Robbie of Elk City, Oklahoma; nephews, Stephen Lipe and wife, Barbara of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Russell Lipe and wife, Tonya of Elk City, Oklahoma; great-niece and great-nephew; as well as several cousins.
Gary was born on May 19, 1947 to James Allen Lipe and Erma Madge (Tucker) Lipe in Mount Vernon, Illinois. He was raised by his grandmother, Viola (Childers) Lipe. Gary was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; brother, Rodney J. Lipe; and several aunts and uncles.
