Lt Col Roger H. Lippold

Lt. Col. Lippold born in Forrest City, Missouri, peacefully transitioned to heaven after a full and wonderful 78 years of life. Growing up on the farm taught him the value of hard work and good ethic. In high school he excelled in football (All-State), basketball and track and field. His love of sports continued throughout his life as he played intramural sports at every opportunity, eventually becoming a spectator he cheered his teams on faithfully. He earned multiple college degrees including graduating Summa Cum Laude from Park College with his Master’s in Economics. He used his knowledge to teach others at the collegiate level all while serving his country. He loved and served his God, family, country and Marine Corps.

After 36 years including two tours of duty in VietNam, he retired a decorated and highly respected Marine. Retirement did not last long as he soon began working for Sprint where he retired after 15 years. Although retired, he never stayed idle and soon found himself renovating his back yard to include a Japanese fish pond and garden. Once that project was complete other projects popped up and he could be found helping fellow shoppers at Home Depot find things until he was asked by staff to work part time. He worked part time for 5 years before he finally decided to completely retire and enjoy more time with his family.

Known for his amazing attention to detail when reciting a story, his honesty, orneriness, loyalty, patriotism, humor, and stubbornness, he will be greatly missed by many. Upon learning of his passing, a fellow Marine stated, “It will take three or four Marines to fill his place in line”. Although this may be true, no one will ever fill his place in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Orville Lippold, Sr and Ina Lippold and his brother, Orville Lippold, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Chie Nakamura Lippold; two daughters, Juanita Obbink (John) of Smithville, Mo; and Cherry Nelson (Chan) of Louisville, Ky; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Dick Lippold, and sisters, Patricia Watson, Janet Perdew and Judith Fisher.

Memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, February 21st at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. Military Honors to follow.