Ralph Sipes

Chambersburg, PA – Ralph G. Sipes, 90, of 390 Martina Dr., Chambersburg, PA passed away at 11:34 PM, January 28, 2014 at his son's home in Greencastle, PA. Born on April 15, 1923 in Saluvia, PA, he was the son of the late Clem and Edna (Hann) Sipes and a stepson of the late Cora Martin Sipes.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Frances Auman Sipes; his daughter, Sandra K. Sipes of Philadelphia; and four siblings, Beatrice Clippinger, Evelyn Shuman, Robert Paul Sipes Sr., and Goldie Elliott.

He is survived by his sons Gary G. Sipes (husband of Cherie) of Chambersburg, PA, Bryan L. Sipes (husband of Ginger) of Chambersburg, PA, Duane E. Sipes (husband of Sue) of Greencastle, PA, and Craig A. Sipes (husband of Georgia) of DeLand, FL, and nine grandchildren and one great grandchild: Garrett Sipes (husband of Stephanie) of St. Louis, MO, Christa Sipes of Chambersburg, PA, Dustin and Daniele Sipes of Chambersburg, PA, Katie and Julie Sipes of Greencastle, PA, Jonathan Sipes of Edinburg, VA, David Glenn Sipes (husband of Yani) of Lynnwood, WA, Jennie Wolfe (wife of Joshua) of Greencastle, PA and great granddaughter Bethany Joy Wolfe. He is also survived by his sister Elena Ott of Shook Home, Chambersburg, PA.

He graduated from the Lemasters High School in 1942, started working at Fairchild, then was drafted for WWII, and upon discharge from the Army, worked at Fairchild for 3 years. Ralph then worked as a sheet metal mechanic at Letterkenny Army Depot for 30 years before retiring in 1978. In the Army, Ralph served as medic in the 932nd Field Artillery Battalion of the 5th Army, under General Clark, fighting in both the African Campaign and the European Campaign, for approximately 3 ½ years. Ralph received numerous awards and medals, including the Bronze Star for bravery.

He was a member of Ebenezer United Brethren In Christ Church for more than 60 years. Ralph was also a long time member of the Letterkenny Rod & Gun Club, and in his later years a member of the St Thomas Sportmen’s Association.

He lived in St Thomas for 53 years and spent 23 winters in Florida with his wife Frances before they returned to Chambersburg nine years ago due to her failing health. He enjoyed camping with his wife and family, hunting, fishing, gardening and helping with raising their five children and many grandchildren. They enjoyed attending concerts and shows and sight-seeing across the US and to several countries.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, February 1, 2014 at the Ebenezer United Brethren In Christ Church, 3661 Williamson Road, Greencastle, PA. Rev. Jim Mack and Rev. Richard Mose will officiate. Interment with military honors by members of the Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW Honor Guard will follow in the St. Thomas Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, January 31, 2014 at Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Joy-El, c/o Joy-El Ministries, 3741 Joy El Drive, Greencastle, PA 17225 or at www.joyelcamps.org/donate.