John Alvin Flippen

John passed away 2 months shy of his 90th birthday, following a life full of wonderful memories.

John attended Panama Union Elementary School and then Bakersfield High. At 17 years of age, he enlisted in the Navy and became a Hospital Corpsman. After serving his country, he returned to complete his education and ultimately received his Master's Degree in Education. He began his teaching career at Amy B. Seibert School, eventually becoming principal of the school. In 1980, Sing Lum Elementary School was opened and he was honored to be the first principal there. He worked for PBVUSD for 31 years where he met many lifelong friends.

In 1979, John married the love of his life, Trish. They had many wonderful years together and frequently traveled in their RV all over the country (often with their standard poodles). They also experienced many wonderful overseas trips. Their faith was very important to them and they were active founding members of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

John always seemed to find humor in difficult situations and never veered from his values. He was a kind and loving man until the end. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Trish Flippen and her sons, Gary and Greg Frazier (Jodi) and their children, Lindsey and Zach; his daughter Nancy Curran (Rick) and their children Nick, Dominique and Danielle; and two grandsons, Justin and Jonathan (Mike).

John was proceeded in death by his daughter, Karen Flippen and his son Michael Flippen.

Services will be held on Thursday, October 19th, at Bakersfield National Cemetery at 2 PM.