Kenn D. Sipe

Kenn Drew Sipe, 81, passed away surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly. Kenn was born on January 14, 1944, on an Army base in Lompoc, California, to Grant A. Sipe and Gladys Nina Sipe. Shortly after his birth, his father was sent to Germany during World War II, and Kenn and his mother returned to her parents' home south of Gage, Oklahoma. When the war ended, the family made their home in Fall River, Kansas, where Kenn's sister, Karma Kay, was born in May of 1945.

In 1947, the Sipe family moved back to their home south of Gage, arriving just in time to witness the devastating 1947 tornado. Kenn attended Gage Grade School and later graduated with the Class of 1962. After a brief time in college, he began what would become a lifelong career in the trucking industry, starting in 1965 and continuing for more than 50 years.

That same year, Kenn married Amelia Burgess of Indiahoma, Oklahoma, and was warmly welcomed into her Comanche family. Together, they raised two sons, Kevin Bob and Justin Dave Sipe, of whom Kenn was deeply proud. During those years, Kenn also pursued his love of horses, raising Appaloosas alongside his good friend Larry Sutton-a friendship that lasted a lifetime and, as Kenn liked to say, "never had a crossword."

Kenn's work as a truck driver took him all across the United States, and he made friends wherever he went. He was known for his warm smile, generous heart, and the simple truth that he never met a stranger. His first job began at the age of 11, working at Cresswell Grocery Store in 1955, where he befriended Navajo railroad workers-friendships that endured across generations and miles, even into his later years with friends in Arizona.

After 18 years of marriage, Kenn and Amelia parted ways in 1983. For more than three decades afterward, Kenn enjoyed the open road, good company, and the adventures that came his way. Then, in 2018, he met the love of his life, Ivy Fern Price, and the two were married on October 5, 2019. Their years together were filled with companionship, laughter, and shared joy.

One of Kenn's greatest pleasures was his connection to the land and to the people he met through his love of animals. He especially enjoyed gathering wild horses on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Oregon with his Indian friends, and he even traded buffalo with tribes in Kalispell, Washington.

Kenn is proceeded in death by his parents Grant and Gladys Sipe, sister Karma Kay, and uncle Robert Sipe.

Kenn is survived by his loving wife Ivy Sipe, two sons Kevin Sipe and Justin Sipe of Shattuck, Oklahoma, Granddaughter Kenndra Longhofer and husband Ryan from Fort Smith, Arkansas, Granddaughter Karrie Houston and husband Matt from Sedalia, Missouri, grandson Anthony Sipe from Shattuck, Oklahoma, great grandkids Melodi Houston, Ryan James (RJ) Longhofer, Rose Houston, Oliva and Bohdi Longhofer, nephew Clay Hudson of Aurora, Colorado, and a host of cousins, family, and friends.

Kenn will be remembered as a kind, hardworking, and open-hearted man who valued friendship, family, and freedom. His stories, humor, and spirit will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Memorial donations may be made to the

Alzheimer's Association

c/o Shaw Funeral Home

P.O. Box 276

Vici, OK 73859.