John Robert Pipkin

LTC (Ret) John R. Pipkin of El Paso, Texas born April 10th, 1933, died peacefully at home on May 27, 2016 surrounded by his family at the age of 83 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Col Pipkin born in Hilltonia, Georgia to John and Lorene Pipkin. His father, a minister, moved the family to several cities finally arriving in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1942. After graduation from Cradock High School, John attended Washington and Lee University on a football scholarship. After graduating in 1956 he was commissioned into the Army as 2nd Lieutenant and stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. His first assignment was as Survey Instructor in the Field Artillery School. Afterwards he moved to the Office Candidate School, serving as Commanding Officer of B. Battery. In 1958, John moved to Fort Bliss, Texas to attend the Air Defense Artillery Battery Officer Course. After graduating he went to Germany where he was assigned first to B Battery and then as Battery Commander C Battery of the 3RD Air Defense Artillery Missile Battalion. Leaving Germany as a Captain in 1962, John attended the Air Defense Artillery Advanced Course at Fort Bliss, Texas. He was transferred to Eastern Kentucky University as a Professor of Military Science. In 1964, John moved to Fort Gordon, Georgia where he was assigned to the staff of the Commanding General. He went to Vietnam as a Major in 1968. After Vietnam, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia returning to Eastern Kentucky University to complete a Masters Degree. In 1969, John was transferred to the Center of Military History in Washington DC as Assistant Director, Histories Division. In 1974, as Lieutenant Colonel, John returned to Germany. He was the Chief of Army Air Defense in the NATO Air Defense Headquarters at Borfink Bunker, Idar Oberstein, Germany. His next assignment was Air Defense School at Fort Bliss, Texas. After a successful 31 year career in the military he retired in El Paso, Texas in 1983. After his military career he spent ten years as manager at Rockwell International. He retired from Rockwell in 1993. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Pipkin the love of his life since April 8, 1989. There were four siblings. Three deceased Thomas Pipkin, Shirley Tollinger, Gracie Davenport. He is survived by his sisters Frances Boone (Jerry) and Margaret (Gitti) Schweinsberg, two sons John R. Pipkin II (Rosa), Dean A. Huffman, four daughters Teresa A. Pipkin-Schmied (Hans), Monica L. Wey (Todd), Yasmin Y. Magee and Lisa G. Pipkin (Joe). He was a devoted grandfather to five grandchildren Heather LaBree (Tony), Melissa Schmied, Amber Allison (Lance), John Pipkin IV, Jake Magee and his great grandchildren Taylin and Austin Bishop, Chase (Little Pea) Powers and many nieces and nephews. He lived life to the fullest. He never left a task undone and was an extremely hard worker. His biggest passion was traveling around the world with his loving wife and family. While at home he enjoyed tending to his beautiful flower beds and vegetable garden which he shared with many friends. His rose garden was known around Texas. He spent time golfing with his family and close friends. His favorite holiday was Christmas. He loved to entertain and was a gracious host to many. He was an avid reader as well as a wonderful storyteller and writer. He was a Redskin fan for life which sometimes could be difficult in Cowboy territory. The family wants to thank Dr. Arianna Bender, Dr. Hector Payan and Armando Reza, RN of Hospice El Paso for the excellent care given. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Thursday, June 2, 2016 and the Funeral Service at 9:30am on Friday, June 3, 2016 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Committal Service will follow at 11:00am at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with full military honors.