Apr 10, 2008

Norman Eugene Rippee, of Shell Knob, Mo., died on April 2, 2008, at Cox Hospital Walnut Lawn after a short illness. Norman was born on May 29, 1928, in Sweden, Mo., to Willie and Alta Rippee. He is survived by three sisters, Lola Anderson of Porterville, Calif., Darlene Rippee Olah, of Las Vegas, Nev., and Marlene Martensen, of Shell Knob, Mo.; and two brothers, Billy D. Rippee, of Springfield, and Robert R. Rippee, of Williston, Tenn.; and a host of family and friends. Norman grew up in Douglas County where he attended elementary school. One of his favorite schools was Excelsior School near Sweden. The Rippees moved to Mountain Grove, in 1941 where Norman attended high school. Norman was a rural mail carrier in Mountain Grove. He worked in California at Leisure World for a number of years before returning to Missouri where he completed nurses training. He was a licensed practical nurse for several years in West Plains and surrounding areas. Norman was a devoted outdoorsman. He enjoyed the lake area at Shell Knob. He loved country music, gardening, movies, and bluegrass music shows. Norman enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1950. He served his country in the Korean War where he was decorated for heroism. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant and later served as a drill instructor for the Marine Corps. He was so proud to be a Marine! Visitation was at the Fohn Funeral Home in Shell Knob on Sunday, April 6, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a VFW presentation at 5:30 p.m. Burial was in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield on Monday, April 7, 2008 at 10 a.m., under the direction of Fohn Funeral Home, Shell Knob. Visit www.fohnfuneralhome. com for online guestbook and private condolences.