John Phipps

John Howard Phipps, age 89, of Lamar, passed away Thursday, September 25, 2008. at Barton County Memorial Hospital.        John was born August 6, 1919, in Barton County, to John W. and Nellie (Baldridge) Phipps.  He graduated from Milford High School in 1937 and was a life-long area resident.  On July 21, 1938, in rural Barton County, he married Mary Ella Harmon where they farmed for many years.  After moving to Lamar, John was an avid gardener, known for his tomato crops.  He had been an active leader in the Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church for many years and was a current member of Oakton United Methodist Church.        Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Mary, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Gary & Lois Phipps, Webb City; three daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy & Billy Bob Cass, Joplin, Linda & Gary Colin, and Janis & Marty Priest, all of Lamar; two brothers, Delbert Phipps, Carthage, and Leroy & wife Nellie Phipps, Lamar; nine grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.        Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 29th at Daniel Funeral Home.   Burial will be in Sheldon Cemetery.        Memorial contributions are suggested to the Oakton United Methodist Church Building Fund in care of Daniel Funeral Home.