John Tilton Tipton

John Tilton Tipton

John Tilton Tipton, 94, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, at home surrounded by the love of his family. He will be remembered as a caring husband, brother, father, and grandfather ("Papa") who was always eager to help with a project, share a story, or tell a joke.

He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Stella D. Tipton; daughters, Joan Thomas (William) of Warrenton and Jonsie Stone (James) of Bristow; grandsons, William T. Thomas (Margaret), Jonathan R. Stone, and Joshua M. Stone; and sister, Rosa T. Rudd.

Born in Mine Run, Va., in 1931, he is preceded in death by his parents, Julian M. Tipton, Sr. and Eleanor Rixey Tipton; sister, Lillian Miller; and brothers, Julian Tipton, Jr. and Page Tipton.

John was a proud Korean War veteran, serving as a combat infantryman in the U.S. Army's 14th Infantry Regiment and receiving numerous decorations and commendations upon honorable discharge as sergeant first class, including the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal (Korea), and the Good Conduct Medal.

Following his military service, he enjoyed a 50-year career as a master carpenter and custom homebuilder and was well-known in the Fredericksburg area and surrounding counties for his skill and craftsmanship.

His selflessness, quick wit, and generous heart will be missed by all who knew him.

Thank you to the family and friends who devoted countless hours supporting John and Stella during the past two years and to the team from At Home Care and Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation and/or Korean War Veterans Association at KWVA.us.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Culpeper National Cemetery at a later date.

Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.