Charles Hubert Fippen

Charles Hubert Fippen (81) was one of seven children born to George and Gracie Mae Fippen on June 9, 1942.  He is survived by wife Roberta Dorothy Fippen, son Charles P. Fippen (wife Lora Stacy Fippen), granddaughter Ava, and two grandsons Ethan and Preston.  Also, son Stephen Michael Fippen (wife Erica Coatney Fippen), granddaughter Emily and grandson Evan.  Brothers John Fippen (wife Kathy), Glenn Fippen (wife Loretta), and sister Phyllis Ingram (husband George).  Those who preceded him in death are parents George Clayton Fippen and Gracie May Fippen, brothers David Fippen (wife Shirley), Jim Fippen (wife Judy) and Sister Delores Fippen.

          Charles was raised in the area of Fortville, Indiana and enjoyed his youth visiting cousins, helping family and working on farms.  At the age of 18 (April 1960), he joined the Marine Corps where he advanced in the positions of Corporal E4, expert rifleman, Radio Chief of intelligence, Corporal of the Guard and qualified Scuba Diver.  His tour of duty was 2 ½ years in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Laos and Taiwan.  His character was formed when he joined the Marin Corps, where he advanced.  He was proud of his years of service and held all veterans in high esteem.  He stood for love of country and was thankful for our freedom and the opportunities afforded to us.  He was the ultimate example of Semper Fidelis----always faithful.  Faithful to God, family and friends.

          Upon his return home from overseas he met and married Roberta Dorothy Laffin.  He became employed with Peerless Pump and held the position of Production Manager.  After three years of employment, Charles elected to join the family owned and operated grocery store, located at 30th and Keystone in Indianapolis.  The grocery store began in the 1930’s by Roberta’s dad, Robert Laffin.  Those years proved to be very hard, long and at times, very taxing circumstances.  However, there was a sense of purpose and satisfaction in hard work and capability of being a part of helping family and working to create a productive business.  It was the seasons of the year, Christmas selling trees, flower sales in spring and summer, pumpkins in the fall.  Many trips to tag trees or pick flowers out of state for up-and-coming seasons, which made hard work possible for a thriving business.

          There were good times and bad times, but Charles was there for family and did his best.  Unfortunately, the saying “all good things must come to an end” is true.  30th and Keystone had a good run but fell on hard times.  At this point in time, Chuck became employed with the Indiana Boys School where he was a carpenter foreman.  He always enjoyed working with wood and became a valuable employee.  He was favored by the superintendent because of his work ethic.  Chuck prided himself on quality work that was always done on time. 

          He worked well with the students.  They knew he was direct, fair and honest.  The troubled students were often guided to the wood shop because Chuck had a good understanding of juveniles.

          Chuck was always a good problem solver.  He could usually fix anything by improvising.  He always had a solution to the problem; it might take a while, but he was persistent and relentless to resolve an issue.  He was also a perfectionist; everything had to be precise and right to meet his standards.  His riches were his family and friends; he would help anyone in need.  He was happy with what he had and did not care to have more; just enjoyed the simple life.

          Preventative maintenance was one of his good features.  He would strive to stay ahead of a future possible problem/situation.  His cars lasted forever because of good maintenance.  Chuck was never materialistic but would buy wisely with good quality.  He always believed you only get what you pay for.  He would conduct thorough research before making a purchase of any significance.  Charles managed his money well and would not buy what he could not afford.

          Upon retirement from Indiana Boys School, Charles decided to fulfill his desire to work at Ace Hardware.  He became the “helpful hardware man.”  He was sent to Lock Smith school and became most efficient in cutting keys with great skill.  Little old ladies would ask specifically for Mr. Fippen because he usually had an answer to their problem or offered advice.

          He loved fishing with his friends at a place known as the Dam Lodge on Lake Vermillion in Minnesota.  There he was joined by his lifelong friends, Andy Hutchek and several fishermen that attended each year.  Fall was a special time of year when he would visit Andy and his friends in Branson, Missouri for another spectacular fishing adventure. 

          In addition to fishing, golf was another pastime that Chuck enjoyed.  Though not as adept at golf as he was at fishing, it was a sport he enjoyed because it involved the outdoors and spending time with friends.  Spring, summer, winter or fall, Chuck would often find time on Saturdays to golf in his retirement.

          The Scouting Program at St. Susanna’s was an important part of Chuck’s life.  He enjoyed working with the scouts, helping both sons, Chuck and Steve, achieve their Eagle Scout awards.  He continued to work with the Boy Scouts whenever the opportunity became available.

          Chuck was baptized in the Catholic Church while serving in the Marine Corps.  He was honored to be a member of St. Susanna for 50 years.  He found satisfaction serving as a lecturer for masses, usher, assisting with funeral luncheons and helping with bingo during the annual festival.  He was able to work on two campaign funds for the church which included the latest campaign fund of 2015.  This fund resulted in Father Glenn and the Father Kevin Morris multi-purpose community rooms connected to the sanctuary of the church.  Chuck had also been involved with the RCIA program, which gave him great satisfaction by sponsoring and supporting new members interested in joining the Catholic Church.

          Chuck was a lover of animals.  Neighbors could often hear him talk to the squirrels and there was always food to suit different types of birds.  It was made clear that Princess, the family dog, which was cremated, was to be buried with whoever passed first, either Chuck or Roberta.

Charles will be terribly missed by those who appreciate his humorous antics.  He loved to tease little children to the point of hyperactivity only to be returned to the parents to settle the chaos. 

Thank you for attending this mass for Charles Fippen who we honor as having lived a good fulfilling life which gave him many blessings and satisfaction.  He was an outstanding husband, father and grandfather.  He was a believer in faith, a friend to anyone in need and a great citizen.  We celebrate the life of Charles Hubert Fippen who will be united with the family who has gone before him.  May he rest in thePeace of the Lord.

Calling Hours will be on Wednesday August 16, 2023 for 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with rosary starting at 3 p.m. in Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield.   Funeral mass will be held on Thursday August 17, 2023 in St. Susanna Catholic Church 1210 East Main Street, Plainfield at 11 a.m. with Father Rob Hausladen officiating.  Burial will follow with military rites in Calvary Cemetery, Indianapolis.  Please make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society 5635 West 96th Street Suite 100 Indianapolis, Indiana 46278 or Paradigm Hospice 8904 Bash St. B Indianapolis, Indiana 46256.   

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