Richard Willis Ripper

Richard Willis Ripper, 83, of Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at Stormont-Vail Hospital. He was born on March 21, 1924 in Butler County, Pennsylvania. Dick was the son of Dorothy I. Porter Ripper and Floyd J. Ripper. Dick grew up in Winfield, Kansas and graduated from Winfield High School in 1942. After graduation he enlisted in the Army Air Force and served as an aircraft mechanic until his discharge in 1946. He earned the American Theatre Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Ribbon. After his military service, Dick attended Kansas State College where he earned his B.S. (1950) and M.S. (1951) degrees in bacteriology. While at K-State, Dick met Patricia Ann Dufford. They married on August 22, 1954 in Minneola, Kansas. Following their marriage, Dick and Pat moved to Topeka in October 1954 where he lived until his death. Dick worked for the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment from 1954-1967 and for Seymour Foods, Inc. from 1967-1978. He then returned to the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment, where he worked until his retirement in 1988. Dick enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing and camping, and was active with his sons Boy Scout Troop 7. He was a member of Crestview United Methodist Church and the American Legion. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pat Ripper; sister Phyllis Mayfield and her husband Bill Mayfield (Winfield); daughter Susan G. Richardson and her husband, Steve Richardson (Topeka); son Steven F. Ripper and his wife Debbie Ripper, (Kyle, TX); daughter Anne M. Platoff and her husband Michael Platoff (Goleta, CA); and by his grandson Benjamin I. Buckles (Topeka) who is a freshman at K-State. Services will be at 11 AM on Wednesday, December 19 at Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 SW Eveningside Dr., Topeka, KS 66614. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 AM until the service. Memorial donations may be made to the church. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.