Ralph Dean Chipman

Ralph Dean Chipman, 91, followed his lovely wife Phyllis in death on November 7, 2021. He was born on June 5, 1930 to Glen and Rolena (Edwards) Chipman. He died on the Mineral farm where he had resided since 1941.

Ralph Dean Chipman

A graduate of Bloomfield High School in 1947, he worked at the local chair factory until the Army called him in 1951. On December 29, 1951, Ralph married his lifelong partner Phyllis Harper Chipman. She joined Ralph during his service years living in Texas and Virginia. This began their love of travel where eventually they visited all fifty states, mostly in their various campers. They also loved Branson and usually visited two or three times per year.

After Ralph’s tour with the Army, he went to Indiana University and graduated with a B.S. and M.S. in Mathematics Statistics. He later would earn a M.S. in Math from Indiana State. He taught math and physics at Bloomfield High School from 1957 until 1964. He kept score for Bloomfield Basketball teams under several coaches. Ralph and Phyllis were honored by Bloomfield Athletics as being super fans. Ralph had attended basketball games since his return from the service missing only one game until his health no longer would allow it. He also served on the Bloomfield School Board, and the Crane Credit Union Board.

In 1964, Ralph went to work at Crane in the math and computer fields. He retired in 1993. He later worked part time for S.A.I.C. He was also a part time farmer.

Ralph coached Little League for nearly 20 years and was instrumental in the building of the North Diamonds. He supported his grandchildren and great grandchildren in 4 H by giving them a steer each year. He was a lifelong member of the Walnut Grove Church of God and served as elder until his health would no longer permit it. He was also a lifetime member of the Bloomfield American Legion Post # 196.

Ralph and Phyllis raised five children; Barbara (Carey Stout) Kirkman, Loren Chipman, Russell (Tena) Chipman, Lisa (Mark) Myers and Christina Chipman. Other survivors include grandchildren, Eric (Teena Foster) Kirkman, J.D. Kirkman, Laurie (Ryan) Petty, Aaron (Dana) Chipman, Cody Chipman, Macayla (Brandon) Kingston, Michelle (Austin) Criswell, Harley Chipman, Noah Chipman and Asa Chipman. Great grandchildren, Lynnly Kirkman, Chloe Kirkman, Blane Kirkman, Braeden Petty, Reece Petty, Kellen Petty, Caiden Chipman, Jasmine Chipman, Harper Kingston and on the way Lucy Lynn Chipman. Also, nephew Ted (Barb) Alexander and niece Peggy Ramage.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Phyllis who passed away this past May, a son-in-law Scott Kirkman, a sister Nona Michael and nephew William Michael.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 P.M. on Wednesday at Jenkins Funeral Home in Bloomfield and 10 A.M. Thursday until the hour of service at the Walnut Grove Church of God.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday at the Walnut Grove Church of God with Rev. Ron Sutherlin officiating. Burial will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.jenkinsfuneralhomes.com.