James Stewart “Stu” Hippensteel, 94, Warsaw, passed away at 5:45 p.m. June 29, 2015, in his residence. He was born March 31, 1921, near Urbana in Wabash County to James Calvin and Bessie Edith Kendall Hippensteel. On Oct. 4, 1958, he married Bonnie Ilene Rule LaVine, who preceeded him in death Sept. 2, 2013. They shared nearly 55 years of marriage. He graduated from Chester Township High School with the class of 1940. He helped his parent’s farm until their death in the early 1950s. He went to work for Warner Brooder Company for 14 years, then he answered a help wanted ad in the newspaper which brought him to Warsaw. It was a plumbing and heating supply company called Walmer Supply. After passing a course in plumbing and heating, they put him in charge of selling kitchen and bath cabinets at Walco Home Center. He really loved his job and did so for over 33 years, retiring in 2000. After a short time, about 12 friends got to playing euchre going from home to home especially at birthday time. He was a member of Lake City Lions Club for over 45 years. In his retirement he worked as a greeter at Walmart in Warsaw for 15 years. He spent many happy years with his wife Bonnie doing some traveling and also square dancing, which they did for 22 years. He was known and loved for his dedication to his family. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and he especially loved being called grandpa. Surviving are a son, Michael LaVine, Montana; a daughter: Renee (and spouse Jim) Guy, Warsaw; five grandchildren: Kimberly (and spouse Gordon) Best, Montana; Jacob (and spouse Sara) Guy and Matthew, Erin and Ethan Guy, all of Warsaw; five great-grandchildren: Colton, Zachary, Kaylynn, Jenae and Adam; and two sisters, Mabel Coble, Fort Wayne, and Edith (and spouse Cecil) Jenkins, North Manchester. He was also preceded in death by his parents, sister Pauline Carter and an infant sister. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, with Pastor Matt Niemier officiating. A graveside service will follow at Etna Green Cemetery. Calling is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and an hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, 2033 S. CR 150W, Warsaw, IN 46580 for the Ramp Fund; or to Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice, P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, IN 46581-1196 and would be appreciated by his family. Condolences via www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
