Paul Anthony Rippey

Paul Anthony Rippey, 86, of Arcola, IL passed away at 7:37 AM on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main St., Arcola, IL. Rev. Tony Crouch will officiate. Burial will follow in the Arcola Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at the funeral home.

Paul was born on July 9, 1938 in Tuscola, IL. He was a son of Albert Francis and Louella (Pullen) Rippey. He married Shirley Jean Hooker on January 27, 1957 in Mattoon, IL. She passed away on August 3, 2023.

He is survived by three children, Jodi Livingston of Arcola, IL, Lisa Stewart and her husband Tom of Mattoon, IL, and Scott Rippey of Arcola, IL, eight grandchildren, Toby Livingston and his wife Martha of Tuscola, IL, Josh Livingston and Dustin Livingston both of Arcola, IL, Jeremy Mast and his wife Jenny of Sullivan, IL, Brett Stewart of Mattoon, IL, April Daubs of Mattoon, IL, Jake Rippey of Tuscola, IL and Taylor Rippey and her fiancé Brendan Hosler of Mattoon, IL, several great-grandchildren, a few great-

great grandchildren, two sisters, Alice Rippey of Carver City, MN and Susie Patridge of Decatur, IL, and a brother-in-law Bob Farris of Mattoon, IL .

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Louella Rippey, his wife, Shirley Rippey, one son-in-law, Jerry Livingston, and a great grandson, TJ Livingston, his mother and father-in-law, Russell and Velma Hooker, four brothers-in-law, Tom Patridge, Jerry Hooker and his wife Mary, Ron Hooker and his wife Barb, and James William Hooker, and a sister-in-law, Barbara Farris.

Paul graduated from Arcola High School in 1956.

Paul’s career started when he began helping on the construction crew that built USI in Tuscola. Following the completion, he dedicated over 40 years working at USI. After retiring, he continued his work at Cabot where he worked for an additional year and a half.

A deeply spiritual man, Paul loved the Lord with all his heart. His mission in life was to share the message of Jesus with others. He attended the First Christian Church in Tuscola.

Paul had many interests. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the American Motorcycle Association (AMA). He enjoyed shooting. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and keeping himself healthy by working out in his home gym. Additionally, Paul had a passion for technology and enjoyed building computers.

Memorials may be made to the family.