Lester Allen Phipps
Lester Allen Phipps, 85, Warsaw, passed away at 8:12 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, in Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne.
He was born Aug. 4, 1932, in Fresno, Calif., to Lester Edna and Lyda Josephine (Williams) Phipps.
A United States Navy Veteran, he faithfully served his country from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean Conflict as a Quartermaster Seaman aboard the USS Chouree (ARV-1), Fleet Aircraft Squad Repair Ship 116.
He was united in marriage to Mary Lou Byer in Ormas, on April 4, 1954, and celebrated 63 years of marriage. A Warsaw resident since 1965, he was the owner and operator of Phipps Upholstery from 1965 to 2001. As a member of Fellowship Baptist Church of Warsaw he served as a Deacon and was the Construction Foreman for the erection of the current Church structure.
As a well- known tennis player, he was member of the Warsaw Racquet Club for several years. In addition, he served as a tennis coach for the Warsaw Community High School Girls Team, Grace College Men’s and Women’s Teams, Warsaw Women’s Travel League Team and he was an individual coach to many local players. His dedication to teaching local tennis players was a true ministry. He enriched the lives of hundreds of players through his passion and knowledge of the game.
Survivors include his wife Mary Lou Phipps of Warsaw; daughter Teresa (spouse Pat) Sells of Peoria, Ariz.; son Les G. (spouse Deb) Phipps of Leesburg; grandchildren Juliana (spouse Jesus) Davila, Jason Sells, Kassidy Phipps, Shalee Phipps and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded by a brother Dale.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Fellowship Baptist Church, Warsaw, with Pastor Layne Sumner officiating. Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Navy Funeral Honors. Interment will be private. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, is entrusted with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Coach Les Phipps, Grace Schools to benefit Men &Women’s Tennis Scholarship 200 Seminary Dr. Winona Lake, IN 46590 Or Fellowship Baptist Church 1838 E. Kosciusko Dr. Warsaw, IN 46580
To sign the guest register or leave condolences electronically, go to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com