Steven Clair Tipton

Steven Clair Tipton November 2, 1948 - May 9, 2010 KEIZER - Steven Tipton passed away at the Veteran's Hospital in Portland on Sunday, May 9th at 7:05 a.m. Steven was born November 2, 1948 in Corvallis Oregon. He moved with his parents and three brothers to Salem in 1950, where he attended Swegle Elementary School. During Steve's high school years, he attended Stayton High where he became a popular and highly honored athlete. He was a starter in football, basketball and baseball, and was a member of the 1966 state champion basketball team, and offensive Player of the Year in football. The summers of those years were fun filled when Steve and his brothers and friends built "go carts" out of apple boxes, and began to tinker with old cars and motors. Along with ball games and old cars, Steve also loved cats. There was always a special one to love and care for. In June 1968, Steve was drafted into the Army. He trained at Ft. Lewis, Wash. He was then assigned to the First Division, and sent to Viet Nam. Steve spent most of his tour in the jungle battlefields, and was awarded several military honors. He was honorably discharged in June of 1970. Steve married Pamela Foltz in 1972. In the ensuing years Steve worked as a Certified Arc Welder. During that time he continued his interest in sports, organizing a small baseball league in the Keizer area where he lived. In recent years, Steve traded his love for cars to a motorcycle - his beloved Harley. Steve is survived by his father, Jack Tipton of Salem; his mother, Betty Budlong and stepfather, Richard Budlong of Mill City; his son, Steven R. Tipton; his stepchildren, Yvonne Downing and Ted Foltz-Tipton; his brothers, Ron Tipton, Dennis Tipton, and Larry Tipton; his half-brother, Duane Tipton; his stepbrothers, Ron Long and Steven Long; and his stepsister, Nancy Schnieder. Steve also leaves six grandchildren. A family memorial service will be held at 1p.m., Saturday, May 22nd, at Southview Terrace, 375 Fairview Ave, Salem.