Howard "Ray" Laipply Jr.

Howard Raymond Laipply Jr., 91, of Bucyrus, died Sunday, March 18, 2018 at Bucyrus Community Hospital.



He was born February 9, 1927 at home in Lykens Twp. Crawford County to the late Howard R. and Gladys E. (Oberlander) Laipply. Howard graduated from Lykens High School in 1945 and shortly thereafter was drafted into the US Army, serving his country for two years. He married Naomi “Kitty” Laipply in 1953 and they shared nearly 50 years of marriage and happiness before her passing in 2003. In 2006, he married Joann Burks and she survives.



Ray, as he was known to many friends and family lived to help others and serve the Lord. Earlier in life he was active at the Nazarene Church and in more recent years, he worshiped at Victory In Truth Ministry. He spent 30 plus years at Timken, retiring in 1987. Ray had a knack for fixing anything and early in life earned the nickname “tinker” because of those abilities. This talent along with his big heart allowed him to serve hundreds of area folks as an appliance repair person. If something was broken, Ray could repair it.



Ray was proud of all the memories created with his family throughout life and everything he did was to benefit those he loved. His only hobby was tinkering and fixing things and while doing this, he often listened to old country and western albums. Ray never turned down a cup of black coffee and to unwind, he enjoyed watching Swaggart Ministries on SBN TV and never missed Walker Texas Ranger at 9 pm to conclude his day. He was a member of American Legion, Post 181, NRA and a formerly had been very active in the Bucyrus Grange.



In addition to wife, Joann, Ray is survived by his daughter, Susan (Paul) Rooker; grandson, Mark Laipply and two great grandchildren along with the family he gained and has loved by marrying Joann; including four step-children, Elden (Amy) Mills, Charlene Mills, Avery (Dreama) Mills and Shawn Mills as well as many step grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ray is also survived by four siblings, Jerry (Linda) Laipply, Eleanor Longo, Mary Parr and Kaye (Ron) Castello.



Ray is now united in Heaven with his parents, first wife and two brothers, John and George Laipply.



Friends may call from 1-3 & 6-8 pm Thursday, March 22 at Wise Funeral Service, where his funeral will be held at 11:00 am Friday with Pastor Steve Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Crawford County Memory Gardens where full military rites will be observed by the US Army and American Legion, Post 181 Honor Guards.



Donations can be made payable to Joann to assist with expenses.