PERU - Bert Lane Kanippe, 74, Peru, died at 10:44 a.m. June 26, 2009, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born Nov. 18, 1934, in Bulls Gap, Tenn., to Robert Bannie and Ida Dean Kanippe. On May 31, 1954, in Peru, he married Evelyn Short, who survives.
He spent the last 55 years loving his best friend and wife, Evelyn. He was also a loving father, grandfather and friend to many. He had never met a stranger. He enjoyed working in his workshop and garden and giving those gifts away. He also liked to fish with his buddies Floyd and Milford. One thing we will always remember about Bert is his wonderful sense of humor. He loved making people laugh. His motto, "I can laugh or cry ... I choose to laugh." We are so grateful that five years ago he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and is now making them laugh in heaven.
Also surviving are a son, Bob Kanippe, Peru; two daughters, Diana (and spouse Chuck) Caldwell, Mexico, and Pam (and spouse Greg) Price, Warsaw; three grandchildren, Abbey Caldwell, Collin Price and Paige Price; a brother, Kyle Kanippe, Greenville, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister and a brother, William Kanippe.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Church of the Nazarene, 331 W. 6th St., Peru, with Pastor Tony Winter officiating. Burial will be at Ever-Rest Memorial Park Cemetery, Cass County.
Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Flowers-Leady Funeral Home, Peru.
