Stephen G. Tippit

Stephen Gordon Tippit , 73 passed away on Friday August 18th, 2017 at his home in Apache Junction, AZ. Steve was born on December 22, 1943 to Ruth DeSaulles and Ruland Tippit in San Francisco, CA. Since his step-father, Harry Gattis was in the Navy, Steve spent much of his childhood moving with his family, brother Dennis and sisters Pat and Terry to various parts of the world. Steve joined the Marines as a young man, serving his country in Viet Nam.

Steve held various jobs over his lifetime including working in the motion picture industry, driving truck, driving ambulance, inspecting meat at a packing house, ranching, and working and volunteering for the American Red Cross. While volunteering with Red Cross he responded to New York City following the attack on 9/11. As a result he contracted a lung ailment that he battled the remainder of his life.

Steve began working for FEMA in 2004 and loved responding to national disasters. He spoke highly of the many coworkers and dedicated Disaster Reservists that he met while working with FEMA. His only regret was that he did not begin working for FEMA earlier in his life. He will be missed by his FEMA family.

Steve married Pamela Knight on Christmas Day 1981. They made their home in Greeley Colorado until 2006 when they moved to Apache Junction, Arizona.

Steve is survived by his wife Pam, children: Karin (Bob) Edmonds; Deon (Kimberly) Tippit; Derek Tippit; Jeffrey (Vanessa) Blake; Shannon Blake; and Jamie Blake, his brother, Dennis (Pearl) Bogard, and sister Terry O’Donnoghue. In addition he leaves behind in-laws including Jim and Linda Knight, Letha and Tony Kitchin, Bev and Dale Owens, Kelly and Becky Knight, Amy and Randy Hendrix, nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The welcoming committee in Heaven included his son Patrick “Cody” Tippit, Steve’s mother and step-father Ruth and Harry Gattis, his mother and father-in-law Jim and Neoma Knight, his sister Patricia Young and numerous other family and friends who have gone before.

Steve will long be remembered for his generous heart, kind smile, and willingness to help anyone in need. Semper Fi.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.