Lawrence Daniel (Pipp) Pippenger, longtime Cushing resident, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2012 in the Cushing Regional Hospital at the age of 100 years.
The son of the late Simon Pippenger and Lottie Jones Pippenger, Lawrence was born on February 13, 1912 in Cushing, where he was also reared and educated, graduating from Cushing High School in 1930.
He was united in marriage to Mary Catherine Linn on March 26, 1935 in Pawnee. To this union two children, Dona and David were born. Mary preceded him in death on July 6, 1984. Lawrence was united in marriage to Anna Lee Whitlow on May 13, 1986.
Lawrence worked for the U.S. Postal Service for over 34 years, retiring in 1972. He enjoyed his Masonic work. He was a member of the Cushing Masonic Blue Lodge, and a 33rd Degree Mason with his Consistory at Guthrie. He had held all the local officers of the Masonic Lodge and for many years performed all the Masonic Funeral Services in this area, as well as all over the state.
Lawrence was raised in the Brethren Church and after meeting his first wife, Mary, he became a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He was a former member of the Oil Patch Twirlers Square Dance Club; a former member of the Senior Citizen Bowling Club and he also enjoyed fishing, traveling, water skiing and skating. He learned to play the piano at the age of 89, from Elizabeth McDermett. Lawrence was a loving husband, father and a gentleman to all; he was known as “Mr. Gentleman” at the nursing home.
In January 2012, the city of Cushing issued a Proclamation that February 13, 2012 be “Lawrence Pippenger Day”. He also received proclamations from State Representative Lee Denney and the Cushing Masonic Blue Lodge.
Survivors include his wife of over 25 years, Anna Lee, of the home; children, Dona Wagle and her husband Richard of Tulsa, David Pippenger and his wife Johann of Baltimore, Zane Whitlow of Tulsa, Albert Whitlow of Tulsa, and Molly Payne and her husband Gjon of Cushing; sixteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and first wife, Lawrence was preceded in death by one step-daughter, Gwendolyn Buttram; six brothers and 3 sisters.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. in the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with Dr. Larry Haney officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in his honor.
You may share your condolences with the Pippenger family at www.davisfh.net.
Services are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home.
***
