Roger L. Gipe

66, of Van Wert, died at 5:45 a.m. Saturday, April 15, 2006, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.

He was born August 21, 1939, in Van Wert, the son of the late Foy and Helen (Hartman) Gipe. On July 20, 1980, he married Sharon E. (Spearman) Gipe, who survives in Van Wert.

Mr. Gipe worked as a facilities engineer at Eaton (Aeroquip) Corporation from 1976 until 1999. Prior to that he worked in the Van Wert County Engineering Department (1961-1966), Hammermill Paper Company in Erie, Pa. (1970-1972) and was employed by the former Union Sherburn Company from 1972-1976. He was a graduate of Van Wert High School and earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering fro Tri State College in Angola, Ind., in 1970. He was a member of Jennings Road Church of Christ in Van Wert, had served in the U.S. Navy from 1958-1961 and belonged to the local Navy Club.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons, Mitchell Gipe of San Diego, Calif., and Tim (Shanna) Gipe of Everett, Wash.; a daughter, Michelle Covelli of Freeland, Wash.; two stepsons, Craig (Robin) Workman of Van Wert and Steve (Melanie) Workman of Fort Wayne, Ind.; a brother, Bill (Deanna) Gipe of Montpelier; one sister, June (Harold) Feasby of Van Wert, and eight grandchildren.

A brother, Paul Gipe, and a sister, Peg Akerman, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, at Jennings Road Church of Christ in Van Wert, with the Rev. David Ray officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert, with military graveside rites performed by the combined honors units of American Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, both in Van Wert.

Viewing hours are from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society.