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Service:
Celebration of life will be forthcoming in Florida
and Illinois
Obituary
Thomas L. Rippon, Ocala, Florida,
born on December 30, 1941, passed away peacefully on
April 6. Tom was born in Danville, Il. He was
preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Frost,
whom he married in 1961, and survived by his second
wife, Susan Johns, whom he married in 1993. His son,
Thomas Howard, preceded him in death, while his
daughter Debbie survives. Tom is survived by his
grandchildren Ryan Rippon, Ashley Hendricks, Elise
Boch, Whitney Denning, Brock Rippon, and Molly
Rippon Miller along with several great
grandchildren.
Rippon served honorably in the US Air Force before
dedicating many years to the General Telephone
Company in Lincoln, Illinois. Post-retirement,
alongside Susan, he embarked on travels to various
destinations, eventually settling in Ocala, where
they continued their adventures, specifically
indulging in his beloved fishing hobby.
An active member of his community, Rippon’s impact
extended beyond the workplace. He notably served as
the Youth Football commissioner in Lincoln,
Illinois, during the 1970s, inspiring numerous young
athletes to pursue their football dreams. His
dedication to youth sports was a proud legacy.
A graduate of Taylorville High School, Rippon loved
to reminisce with his football friends about their
championship team. After retiring, he returned to
Taylorville where he enthusiastically rekindled his
love for fishing with old high school friends, often
swapping stories about their glory days on the
football field and bragging about their
all-conference football team. Tom was a forever
Chicago Bears fan.
Known for his ability to bring laughter to others,
Rippon’s humor was infectious and brought joy to all
who knew him. It was a well-known fact that Tom
enjoyed Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and Trigger in any
and all venues he could watch, his appreciation for
their work a testament to his fondness for Western
culture.The legacy of Thomas L. Rippon will be
forever cherished. Memorials may be made on behalf
of Tom to the Lincoln Youth Football Association 115
Edgar St. Lincoln, IL. 62656.
Celebration of life will be forthcoming in Florida
and Illinois. May he rest in eternal peace.
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