Herbert E Tipton

Age 97, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026 following a long and full life. Born on July 26, 1928 in Landover, MD, he was the son of the late Earl and Mary Beall Tipton. Herbert married the love of his life, Clara Lott, who preceded him in death in 2016 after 61 years of marriage. Throughout their years Herbert and Clara had three auto service stations in Southport, Horseheads, and Big Flats. When not self-employed he worked for McLeod Volkswagen, Remington Rand, American LaFrance, Sumirail, ABB, and part-time at the Elmira Wegmans bakery. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and participated in the Twin Tiers Honor Flight in 2022. Herb was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Elmira. Herb enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren. In his earlier years he liked fishing and working on cars. Upon retiring, he found a home with the Elmira Pioneers. He was a season ticketholder, never missing a game until the last 2 years of his life. He was loved by Nellie and Robbie Nichols, along with the rest of the staff, and he loved them back. He is survived by his loving family: daughter, Anne (Burt) Beebe, Pine City; son, Michael (Dena) Tipton, Stafford, VA; three grandsons, Brian Steinwinter, Wellsburg, NY; Eric (Jennifer Donovan) Steinwinter, Elmira, NY; and Michael Tipton Jr., Norfolk, VA; his sister, Helen Matzen, Ellicott City, MD, along with many nieces and nephews. In keeping with Herb's wishes, he will be interred at the Woodlawn National Cemetery where military honors will be accorded and a graveside service will be conducted at a later date for family and friends to attend. We would like to thank the many health aides who treated Herb as their own, making them honorary family members forever. A special thank you to Tom Smetanka and Cynthia Harvey for initially bringing together the perfect crew to care for Herb. Thank you to the aides from Family Home Services and the Veterans Home Care program, especially Shauna Holden who was with him when he began his journey back to the Lord.