Melvin Andrew Knipp

Melvin Andrew Knipp, 90, of Tipton passed away Thursday, August 10, 2017, at Katy Manor in Pilot Grove. He was one of 12 children born to Peter Joseph Jr. and Emma (Kramer) Knipp near Syracuse, Missouri. Melvin was a graduate of the Tipton High School Class of 1945. He served in the US Army receiving the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation (Japan) Medal concluding with an Honorable Discharge in October 1947.

On March 1, 1949 he married Clara "Tooter" Imhoff, of Pilot Grove, Missouri, and they celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary before she passed away in 2007. Melvin, known by those closest to him as "The Pope" was a farmer who enjoyed meeting, visiting, and arguing with others. He was a member of St. Andrews Parish and a honorary life member of the Tipton Council Knights of Columbus. He belonged to the VFW, the Farmers and Sportsman's Club, served on the Tipton Fair Board, served on both the MFA Agri Services and MFA Oil boards, was a member of the Moniteau County (Tractor Pull) Sled Association, was a DeKalb Seed dealer, sold crop insurance, and enjoyed tractor pulling both as a competitor and as an announcer.

Melvin's family has always celebrated his birthday on November 26th, however, his birth certificate reads that he was born on March 26th. Melvin and his family enjoyed laughing about this as he recalled "all I remember is that it was cold". After retiring he drove a fuel delivery truck for MFA Oil. Melvin loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Tooter; brothers Vernon, Basil, David, William "Bill", and Peter Knipp III; sisters Vera LeMora and Flavian Dix.

Melvin is survived by his brothers Dennis and Leroy Knipp; sisters Emma Rose Dubbert and Joann Knipp; sons Roy (Linda) Knipp, Jeff (Lisa) Knipp all of Tipton; daughters Nancy Kirby of Tipton and Sherri (Steve) Gennetten of Laurie; grandchildren Jason (Rachel) Knipp, Brett Knipp, Lindsey (Dave) Ruhr, Cole (Amy) Knipp, Jordyn Knipp, Gregory Adkins, Kasey Kirby, Stephanie (Chase) Schaffter, Melissa Simon, and Ayrton Gennetten; 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 AM Monday, August 14, 2017, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Tipton with burial immediately following in the St. Andrews Cemetery with military honors. A prayer service will be held at 4 PM Sunday at the church with visitation following.

Memorials are suggested to either the Tipton Nutrition Center or St. Andrew's Cemetery.

Online condolences may be submitted at www.meisenheimerfuneralhome.com.