Roy Tipton

Roy Franklin Tipton went to meet his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, with family at his bedside.

In the rolling pastures at the northeastern edge of Hulbert, Oklahoma, stood a lone oak tree. As the breeze gently crept through its branches, one could almost hear the whispers of memories long past. Memories of an old unpainted house that used to stand in its majestic shadows, where the foundation of Roy's life was laid. It was here that his journey began, nurtured by the love of his parents, Noah Oscar "Arthur" Tipton and Bessie Lee Dodd Tipton, and the laughter-filled days spent with his older sisters, Faye Tipton Hazelwood and Linnie Tipton Keith. On a cold winter's night, February 29, 1936, the hills echoed with the first cries of a baby boy-a Leap Day blessing who would go on to live a life filled with faith, creativity, and enduring love.

Roy Tipton graduated with honors in 1955 from Central High School in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. His artistic and industrious nature shone early, as he pursued various jobs, including house painting, woodworking, and sign making. In 1958, he married the love of his life, Earshelene Reed. Together, they created a home filled with love, raising two children, Terryl Gene and Tomi Kay.

In 1959, Roy graduated from Wichita Drafting College, launching a professional journey that included working at a sign company before founding Tipco Signs, where his remarkable artistry and craftsmanship flourished. Encouraged by his sister Faye, Roy pursued higher education, earning his bachelor's degree in industrial education with honors from Northeastern State College in 1969. That same year, he was awarded a fellowship to Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, where he completed a master's degree in technical education.

Roy began his teaching career in Kentucky, where he developed a junior high industrial arts program, igniting a passion for teaching that would span decades. In 1972, he returned to Oklahoma to teach at Tahlequah Senior High School, where he became a beloved mentor to his students. His exceptional dedication earned him the distinguished title of Oklahoma Teacher of the Year in Industrial Arts in 1977.

In 1979, Roy's steadfast faith and deep desire to serve led him, alongside his family, to Southwestern Alaska, where they served as missionaries among the Yupik Eskimos in Bethel. Upon returning from Alaska, Roy continued sharing his expertise and passion for industrial arts, teaching across schools in Kentucky and Oklahoma.

After a distinguished career in education, Roy retired in 1991. He and Earshelene devoted their time to nurturing the home they lovingly built together-a sanctuary that reflected their dedication and teamwork. Retirement also offered Roy the freedom to pursue his many passions, including sign painting, music, and writing, while cherishing adventures and making memories with his grandchildren, family, and friends.

Roy lovingly cared for Earshelene until her passing, embodying unwavering dedication and compassion. Later, he was blessed to find love again with his second wife, Iva, whose presence brought renewed warmth, joy, and treasured companionship into his life.

Roy's life was a testament to his faith, creativity, and generosity. A gifted artist, musician, craftsman, and storyteller, he inspired everyone fortunate enough to know him. His spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched and in the cherished memories shared beneath the oak tree that once stood in Hulbert, Oklahoma, where his beautiful story began.

Family would like to express gratitude to the staff members of Cherokee County Nursing Home, WW Hastings Hospital, and Compasses Hospice. We deeply appreciate and are grateful for their extraordinary assistance and care for our precious Roy.

Roy was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Earshelene Tipton; his cherished second wife, Iva Tipton; his parents, Noah and Bessie Tipton; two sisters, Faye Hazelwood and Linnie Keith; and his brother-in-law, Bob Hazelwood.

He is lovingly remembered by his son, Terryl (TJ) Tipton, and his wife, Rhonda, of Mena, Arkansas; his daughter, Tomi Kirkpatrick, and her husband, Dean, of Hulbert, Oklahoma; and his brother-in-law, Gene Keith, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, who will forever treasure his memory.

Pallbearers are Bryan Tipton, Alex Gustin, Trent Kirkpatrick, Colton Tipton, Hunter Tipton, Nathan Cottman, Tim Pettit, Gilbert Montelongo, and Justin Truett.

Honorary Pallbearers are Kingston Montelongo, David Tipton, Braylon Kirkpatrick, Malikai Montelongo, Easton Kirkpatrick, Daniel Fine, and Kennen Fine.

This tribute to Roy's life was lovingly prepared by his first granddaughter, Rachel Gustin.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday, December 20, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hart Funeral Home in Tahlequah. A Celebration of Life Service for Roy will be held on Saturday, December 21, at 1:00 p.m. at God's Mountain Church, located at 17138 E 626 Rd, Rose, Oklahoma. Following the service, interment will take place at Crittenden Cemetery in Tahlequah.