Richard (Rick) D. Stipe, of Mena, age 80, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at his home surrounded by the family he loved. He was born March 12, 1935 to John and Marguerite Burnett Stipe in Mena, Arkansas.
Rick was a corporate pilot by profession. He began flying at age 13, received his private pilot’s license at age 16, and earned his commercial license at 19. By age 24, he was the youngest corporate jet pilot in the United States. His career spanned over 40 years of professional flying until he retired in 2001.
His family knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather and great-grandfather. He had an infectious sense of humor and was a friend to all he met. Above all, he loved his Heavenly Father and had a servant’s heart, leaving behind a legacy of faith, godliness, integrity, and love. He will be greatly missed by so many.
Rick is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna Wood Stipe, of Mena; his daughter, Kelly Lindvigsmoen and husband, Tarald, of Mena; his son, James Matthew Stipe and wife, Christine, of Homestead, Florida; his daughter, Leslie Stipe, of Little Rock; 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of his life service was held Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Mena Mountain Resort in Mena. Interment was at Pine Crest Cemetery under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.
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Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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