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David Meredith Tipton, 73, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at home, under the loving care of his family, Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E., and Compassus Hospice, on Monday, April 20, 2026.
David Meredith Tipton, 73, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at home, under the loving care of his family, Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E., and Compassus Hospice, on Monday, April 20, 2026.
Dave was born on February 17, 1953, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Roy Elmo and Effie Mae (Bartholomew) Tipton. He lived in Germany for several years while his father was serving in the military before they settled in Parchment, Michigan.
He was a 1972 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. He then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at Eastern Michigan University and worked as a Technical Writer for many years. While working at Century Housewares prior to college, he met the love of his life, Ellen M. Haas. They were married on February 21, 1975, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Dave is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ellen; daughters Erin (Alex), Emily (Ian) and Sara (Mike); grandchildren David, Rachel, Noah, Theo, Maxwell, Adam and Nora; siblings Sharon and Matt (Josie); nieces Arrow, Abi, Gwen, Meredith and Whitney; nephew, Ryan; and; and step-mom of 60+ years, Fran. He was preceded in death by father Roy (Fran), mother Effie, and older brother Michael (Denise).
Dave showed his love not through grand gestures, but through quiet presence, unwavering support, and a steady sense of humor. Fiercely devoted to his family,
he loved participating with his grandson in Scouting, where he volunteered countless hours to ensure opportunities and experiences that would not have been possible without his support.
He remained committed to his Catholic faith, frequently sharing his beliefs with his family and grandchildren. He felt privileged to give back to his community by being a member of the local Jaycees, volunteering with Boy Scouts, ushering at his church and serving in the all-volunteer Fort Custer Honor Guard
A lover of history, he cherished bucket list trips to Washington, D.C., and Gettysburg with his family. As an avid reader and writer, he valued the written word and believed in the power of stories to preserve memory and meaning. He wrote and self-published two books, Do Over and Omega Plague.
He treasured time with family, especially weekly dinners, and remained closely connected as long as his health allowed. Even as his health declined, he met life with warmth, wit, and resilience.
His story lives on through the family he loved, and for that, he will always be remembered with gratitude.
Friends were received 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where the Rosary was recited at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Rev. Christopher Ankley 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2026, at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. Committal and interment followed at Memorial Park Cemetery. A luncheon was held in the St. Joseph Parish Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 61 N. 23rd St., Battle Creek, MI 49015 or P.A.C.E. Community Fund, 200 Michigan Ave W, Ste 103, Battle Creek, MI 49017.
Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Starts at 7:30 am (Eastern time)
Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care
Thursday, April 23, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care
Friday, April 24, 2026
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Friday, April 24, 2026
Memorial Park Cemetery
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