Delbert Henry Lipe

Delbert Henry Lipe, Sr,-known with deep affection as Henry-lived a remarkable life defined by unwavering hard work, boundless generosity, and a kindness that touched everyone he met.

Henry was the devoted husband of Tomasita Hill Lipe for 61 cherished years and the proud, loving f ather of Delbert Henry Lipe Jr. (Jana) of Boerne, Texas and Steven Hill Lipe (Barbara) of San Antonio, Texas. His family was the center of his world, and everything he built was for them.

After graduating from Los Fresnos High School in 1954, Henry proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), working tirelessly in the engine room during four years of active duty in the Pacific.

In 1959, he began what would become a distinguished 41-year career in law enforcement, first as a Texas Highway Patrolman in L redo and later as a highly respected auto theft investigator with the National Auto Theft Bureau (later the National Insurance Crime Bureau). For more than three decades Henry pursued justice with relentless dedication, earning the admiration and gratitude of colleagues across Texas and the nation. He retired with honor in May 2000, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and expertise that few could match. Henry was also the Director at the East Rio Hondo Water District.

Henry met the love his life, Tomasita hill, in Laredo in November 1963. They married on May 23, 1964, in Bayview, Texas and together built a home filled with laughter, faith and unconditional love. In 1965 they moved to Corpus Christi, where they raised their two sons. Henry was a firm yet deeply loving father whose discipline was always rooted in care, and whose example of hard work and moral strength shaped the boys into the fine men they are today.

For many years Henry served as Scoutmaster of Pack 162 at St. Patrick's Church in Corpus Christi. Countless young men were shaped by his patient guidance, his ready smile, and the quiet generosity with which he gave his time. He lived in the Scout Law every day-trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind-and instilled those same virtues in generations of scouts.

An avid outdoorsman, Henry found joy and renewal in nature. He loved camping, hunting, and fishing, and some of his family's most treasured memories were made in deer blinds on a crisp holiday mornings, on sunny bays chasing redfish or around campfires under endless Texas stars.

Long after most men slow down, Henry continued the adventure-RVing across the country with Tomasita and their grandchildren, spending an entire summer exploring Alaska, and, at the age of 73, riding horseback through the Colorado Rockies on an elk hunt with his sons. His energy seemed boundless because his heart was full.

In 1990, Henry and Tomasita returned to the Lipe family farm in Los Fresnos. Ever industrious, they built their dream home largely with their own hands-a testament to Henry's extraordinary work ethic, practical skill, and determination to provide the very best for his family.

Henry never met a stranger and never turned away from a need. Whether he was fixing a neighbor's tractor, helping a young trooper learn the ropes, or quietly slipping money into the hand of someone struggling, his generosity knew no limits. He as the man who showed up early, stayed late, and left every place better than he found it. His hands were always busy, his heart always open, and his smile a daily gift to the world.

Henry is now reunited in heaven with his Lord Jesus, his parents, and the siblings who went before him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, joy, and tireless service that will live on in every life he touched.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Tomasita Hill Lipe; his sons, Delbert Henry Lipe Jr. (Jana) and Steven Hill Lipe (Barbara); his sister, Margaret Collins; his adored grandchildren, Austin Henry Lipe, Abigail Rea Grace, Ryan Thomas Lipe and Justin Andrew Lipe; and numerous nieces, nephews and friend who will miss him dearly.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Bessie DeBusk and Edgar Neal Lipe and his siblings; Hazel Lipe Woods, Doris Lipe Pierce, George Lipe, Tom Lipe, William Lipe, John Lipe and Edgar Lipe, Jr.

A celebration of Henry's extraordinary life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Henry's memory.

Well done, good faithful servant, Rest in eternal peace.