Ralph Bruce Lipscomb, 91, of La Porte, Ind., passed away Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at his home.
He was born Jan. 4, 1930, in Harlan, Ky., to James Edward and Debbie Jane (Simpson) Lipscomb.
Ralph served in the U.S. Army from 1946-1950 during the tail end of World War II. He re-enlisted in 1956, serving 4 tours in Vietnam, for which he was awarded The Bronze Star. In September 1972, he retired after 21 years. Ralph loved the military and his country. He worked part time at different jobs until 1990, when health problems entered his life.
Ralph was a diehard Cubs fan. He enjoyed traveling, vegetable gardening and going to the casinos.
On March 14, 1987, in La Porte, he married Idella Ruth Fredricks, who survives.
Also surviving are his children, Larry (Nancy) Lipscomb of Boise, Idaho, Jo Ann Sparks of South Bend, Ind., Daniel (Connie) Lipscomb of La Porte, Allen (Carol) Wesolowski of Free Soil, Mich., Calvin (Krista) Wesolowski of Starkville, Miss., and Thomas (Marissa) Wesolowski of Columbus, Oh.; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Lewis D. (Erika) Lipscomb of Salinas, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Thomas Lipscomb; sister, Dana Engle; 7 half-brothers, W. Earl Howard, Charles A., Virgil P., J. Roscoe, Ray, Lemuel, and Loren Lipscomb; and half-sister, Ola Latham.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte, with Chaplain Joe Mollet officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Patton Cemetery, La Porte. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, and from 9 a.m. until the service Wednesday.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kan. 66675-8516.
Messages of condolence may be posted below.