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John Mark (Tip) Tipton

Posted 2008-11-13 by Judy Wight Branson
The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona
Wednesday, December 7, 2005

John Mark "Tip" Tipton, age 55, of Prescott, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005, at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, in Prescott. He was born on Dec. 29, 1949, in Hamilton, Ohio, to Norman C. Tipton and Esther M. (Garner) Tipton.

John moved to Phoenix with his family from Ohio, when he was just 3 years old. He grew up excelling in his high school years in art, gymnastics, wrestling and track. He was also an avid spelunker and water skier. In his early 20s, John moved to Lake Havasu to work in the family business of construction known as "Cactus Wren Builders."

Shortly after that, he took a trip to Wisconsin, where he met his future and only wife, Carmen Oppedesan, and they were married shortly after on Jan. 8, 1972.

They had three children and settled in Prescott in 1983.

He worked at A&B Signs prior to owning his own business known as "Signs
and Lines by Tip," where he provided freestyle original pinstriping and artistry. He was also employed by Magma Gold in Humboldt where he enjoyed working underground and in the Assay office.

John later provided several businesses in town, along with personal friends and family with his talents of pinstriping, hand-carved and painted signs, sculpting, tiling and construction.

One of his greatest artistic accomplishments was casting three original marine life bronze sculptures. For more information on any of these sculptures that are available please contact the family.

Along with his love of the arts he was also passionate about the culinary field. He was involved in the Prescott chapter of the American Culinary Federation, locally contributing his time to many fundraisers. When it came to enjoying food, he used his natural culinary skills to prepare wonderful meals to share with others.

John also enjoyed hunting and fishing in Alaska, Arizona, Mexico and Wisconsin.

John is survived by his wife, Carmen of almost 34 years. He is also survived by his children and their spouses, daughter, Tamara (Salim), son, Josh (Lisa) and son, Matthew. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tiffany, Cameron and Salim. He is also survived by his brother, Charles "Chuck" (wife, Nelda), brother, Ken (wife, Leslie); sister, Cheryl (husband, Don) and sister, Norma (husband, Larry); along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. John was preceded
in death by his mother and father.

Services will be held on Sunday, Dec. llth, at 2 p.m., at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church located on 1202 Green Lane, in Prescott, Ariz., 778-1922.

John's family members and friends were a very intricate and important part of his life. John's passing will be mourned by many who enjoyed sharing their life and loves with him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 1202 Green Lane, Prescott, Ariz., 86305 or the Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS), 1090 Commerce Drive, Prescott, Ariz., 86305 for Stop Smoking Classes at YRMC.

The Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

Information provided by survivors.





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