Robert Russell Rippee, son of Russell and Helen Pendergrass Rippee, was born Wednesday, Dec. 20, 1944, in Cassville, Mo. He departed this life Wednesday, July 15, 2009, in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Mo., at the age of 64 years, six months and 25 days.
On Sept. 20, 1980, at First Baptist Church in Houston, Mo., he was united in marriage to Janice Kay Stark. Together they shared the past 28 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Jan Rippee of the home; three children, Curt Rippee and wife Deeann of McKinney, Texas; Chris Rippee of Euless, Texas, and Allison Rippee and fianc/ Scott Bartkoski of Camdenton, Mo.; three grandchildren, Emma Grace, Abigail and Ellie Rippee; and a host of many friends, neighbors, students and colleagues.
Bob was raised in Springfield, Mo., and graduated from Hillcrest High School in the Class of 1962. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of Arkansas. He taught at Willow Springs High School for nine years. He later taught at Houston High School until 1981, when he started his career at Camdenton High School. He retired from Camdenton R-III School in 1996 after 30 years of teaching and as director of bands.
Bob took the Camdenton bands to new heights during his career. Under his direction, the bands consistently scored a “1” rating at state contest, won several awards through the years in the jazz, marching and concert band categories and was the first band from Camdenton to travel to Florida to perform at the Gator Bowl. He was well respected among his peers and went on to judge spring and fall music festivals throughout the state. He did clinics for several schools to prepare students for contests.
He was a member of Phi Beta Mu Band Directors Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha and Kappa Kappa Psi Music Fraternities, Missouri Band Masters Association and Missouri Music Educators Association.
He made a profession of faith in Christ at the age of 9 and was a member of First Baptist Church of Camdenton, where he led the music for a period of time.
Bob was an avid golfer. He won many tournaments and awards throughout the state. He was a member of Lake Valley Country Club and served on the Board of Directors for three years.
Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was a caring friend and golf partner. He made an impact on many lives during his life. His primary goal as a teacher was to inspire students and make a difference in their lives. As a result, his legacy will carry on for generations.
Funeral services were Monday, July 20, in the Camdenton Middle School gymnasium under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to Camdenton First Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.alleeholmanhowe.com.