Whipple, Richard Allan - 1924-2012

BAETH, HUNTER, LARSON, LOCKWOOD, SPANIER, THOMPSON, WHIPPLE

Posted By: Polk volunteer
Date: 8/12/2024 at 14:43:20

Richard Allan Whipple, 88, died Thursday, October 25, 2012, at The Life Center in Des Moines, with his wife of 64 years, Maxine, and other family members at his bedside. A visitation will be held 6 to 8 p.m. at Iles Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel on Friday, November 2. Services will take place on Saturday, November 3, at 11 a.m. at Immanuel United Methodist Church, followed by a luncheon and burial at the Masonic Cemetery.
Dick was born on February 17, 1924, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Leslie Root Whipple and Nona Thompson. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1942. He was inducted into the Army Air Force and served in World War II from 1943 to 1945 as a camera technician stationed in England, France, and Holland.
He attended Iowa State University following the war, where he met his wife, Maxine Lockwood. They were married on September 12, 1948, and raised four children: Sandy, Joan, Shari, and Wendy.
Dick worked at Dean Studios Camera Store, followed by work as a cashier at Phillips Petroleum. In 1956 he became auditor and later comptroller for the Iowa Liquor Control Commission. He attended Drake University evenings and Saturdays and earned a Bachelor's degree in education in 1959. He later obtained a Master's degree in Elementary School Administration from Drake University in 1963. His principal career was as a 6th grade teacher and later Audio Visual Director/Media Specialist for the Urbandale Community School District. He went on to obtain an Associate degree in Electronics, worked for NCR and Scan-Optics, and offered audio-visual servicing for churches and schools.
Dick was an active member of his church. In 1950 he and Maxine served as leaders of the Methodist Youth Fellowship. He was Sunday School superintendent, Men's Club president, usher, and member of numerous committees. He was also president of Toastmasters Club and a member of the Des Moines Garden Club and the Des Moines Camera Club. Dick enjoyed photography, competing in many local and national contests. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 50 years. In retirement he volunteered at the Polk County Heritage Gallery and Iowa Methodist Hospital. Working crossword puzzles and playing solitaire were lifelong hobbies.
Dick will be lovingly remembered by his children Sandra (Graham) Spanier of State College, Pennsylvania, Joan (Brent) Larson of Bloomington, Minnesota, Shari Baeth of Des Moines, and Wendy Wilkes Hunter of Bloomington, Minnesota, and by his seven grandchildren: Brian (Alyson) and Hadley Spanier, Andrew Larson, Austin and Lauren Baeth, Chace and Colin Hunter. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, George Whipple.
Memorial contributions may be directed in his name to Youth Emergency Services and Shelter (YESS), 918 SE 11th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309, or to Immanuel United Methodist Church.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Thursday, November 1, 2012, page 7B