Maj. John Curtis Chipman, USAF (Ret.), 65, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, May 25, in Norway, Maine.
John was born on April 30, 1943 in Dallas, TX to parents John Collins Chipman and Gwendolyn Brown.
He received a Bachelor's Degree in Russian from Syracuse University and a Master's Degree in Logistics from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
John was a Vietnam Veteran and served a distinguished, highly decorated career in the United States Air Force as a Signal Intelligence Officer. Among his many decorations, John was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He was also presented the Gallantry Cross by the Republic of Viet Nam.
After he retired from active duty, John continued to serve his country as a consultant.
John achieved many things in his life but his family always came first. He always treasured and was very proud of his two sons.
John enjoyed animals but had a special love for the many dogs he had during his life.
In his spare time he enjoyed golf. John had a tremendous love of all kinds of fishing and enjoyed catching fish in salt water, fresh water, rivers or streams.
John will be remembered for his charismatic nature as well as his great sense of humor and love of practical jokes.
John was preceded in death by his sister Diane Sheehan. John is survived by his sons, Christopher S. Chipman and wife Tina of Austin and John Robert Chipman and wife Larisa of Austin; grandson, Samuel Christopher Chipman of Austin; brother, James David Chipman of Tulsa; former wives, Karron Chipman and Judy Chipman and companion Rose Weiser. He is also survived by many other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral Services will be held with full military honors at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2008 at Cook-Walden Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.
A wake will follow the services at the home of Chris Chipman. John's family has established a website in his honor at www. mem.com
Visitors to the site may view photos and tributes as well as sign the online guestbook and leave voice greetings.
I TRAINED CHIP AT INCIRLIK. I KIDDED HIM HOW HE EVER BECAME AN OFFICER WHEN I MET IN IN SAN ANTONE IN '03 (I THINK).
GOD REST HIS SOUL.
JOE (Jarusinsky)