Robert Phipps

In Loving Memory of Robert Edward Phipps
January 27, 1955 – June 3, 2025
Robert Edward Phipps-affectionately known as Bob, Pa, and Papa-passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 3, 2025, in Grantsville, Utah, at the age of 70. Born in Lynch, Kentucky, on January 27, 1955, Robert's life was a testament to resilience, brilliance, and unwavering love.
After moving to Utah with his beloved mother, Norma Dye Phipps, and her parents, Ireland and Hazel Dye, Robert grew up in Holladay. He spent many afternoons at the local Conoco gas station, where he gained a lifelong passion for engines under the mentorship of Chick Burnham, a man he often spoke of with great admiration. At Skyline High School, he played football and nurtured his love for the outdoors before serving a mission in Switzerland for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He returned with countless stories of a world far from home.
Driven by curiosity and dedication, Robert pursued a master's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Utah while managing Parkview Capital Apartments-an era filled with humor and unforgettable tales. He went on to serve with the Department of Defense at the Tooele Army Depot, where his skill and passion made a lasting mark over a career spanning 33 years.
It was there that he met the love of his life, Tammy Gayle McCrone. Together, they built a life full of purpose, laughter, and deep connection. After retiring in June 2021, Robert fully embraced his greatest roles yet: devoted husband, proud father, loving grandfather, and doting great-grandfather.
An outdoorsman through and through, Robert found joy in hunting, fishing, riding ATVs, and hiking. He was a master craftsman-known for his photography, knife making, and engineering prowess. A Buck Knife enthusiast, an avid gun owner, and a builder of many things, he lived with purpose and precision.
Even when diagnosed with ALS, Robert remained unshakably strong. He faced his final chapter with the same courage, stoicism, and heart that defined his entire life. Surrounded by the love of his family, he departed this world with grace.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norma and Robert E. Phipps; grandparents Ireland and Hazel Dye, Isaac Junior Ferguson, and Helen Marie Ferguson; his mentor Chick Burnham; and his beloved pets, Jaxon and Sassy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Tammy Gayle Phipps, and a family that spans generations: Della Calderwood (Dave), Isaac Ferguson (Gloria Deceased), Carol Anne Burton (Bill), Christopher Toby McCrone, Aubrey Lynn McCrone (Tori), Amy Marie McCrone, Bailey Denise McCrone, Trenton Isaac Renfro (Tristen), Aubrianna Gayle Hardy (Dan), Tanner Steven McCrone, Tyler Terry Cox (Kinzee), Trey Robert McCrone (Britney), Azelynn Marie Bobeda, Ryder Gage McCrone, Paizley Lynn Renfro, Hagen Richard Hardy, Oaklee Raine Renfro, Oaker Charles Russel, Hannah Gayle Hardy, Isaac Christopher Martinez, Kamie Lee Renfro, Hunter Dale Hardy, and five beloved cousins.
Robert was stoic, caring, strong, creative, and endlessly adventurous. He leaves behind a legacy of love, craftsmanship, and stories that will be told for generations.
"Robert Edward Phipps was many things-but above all, he was the true and perfect embodiment of a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and a friend."
Rest easy, Papa. We love you endlessly and will carry you with us always.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 12 p.m., with a viewing prior from 10:30-11:45 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 410 Shelley Lane, Grantsville, Utah. Interment in the Tooele City Cemetery.
For those who cannot attend in person, the service will be broadcast at grantsville.live, scroll down to Grantsville 13th Ward.