Wallace Sim Yip Sr

Wallace Sim Yip, Sr. surrounded by his loving family, passed away Friday, July 13, 2012. Beloved husband of Hong Lee (Lily) Lew Yip of 65 years. Loving father of Jeanette Yip Hew (Maurice), Wally Jr. (Mary), Barbara Yip Douglas (Bobby), Nellie Yip Underwood (David) and Lotus Yip Cosmo ( Danny). Devoted grandfather to Maurice Hew, Jr. (Beth), Jennifer Hew, Jessica Hew (Greg), Kymberlee Byrd (Paul), Bruce Sanders, Jr. (Cherie), Wallace Yip, III (Trey), Lauren Underwood and Alex Underwood.

Great Grandfather to Lindsay Haley (Paul), Grayson Byrd, Colby Byrd, Joshua Hew, Sarah Hew and Blake Sanders.

Mr. Yip was drafted into the US Army at the age of 18, Private 1st Class, Company C, 313th Infantry 79th division. During World War II, he landed on Utah Beach, where he fought on the front lines for a year. He was awarded many medals, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, which are on display with his other medals at the National WWII Museum.

He was the owner of Ding How Laundry and Cleaners for 39 years. Upon retirement, he became active with the YMCA, joining the aerobics class 3 times a week, as well as staying active with the Military Order of the Purple Heart Association, the Veterans of Foreign War and the National WWII Museum, where his nephew, the late Sheriff Harry Lee underwrote the completion and furnishing the conference room, naming it the Johnny Ngai/Wally Yip Military Order of Purple Heart Conference Room.

Relatives, friends of the YMCA, National D-Day Museum, Order of the Purple Heart Association and the Veterans of Foreign War are invited to attend the Funeral Services at Chinese Presbyterian Church, 2901 W. Esplanade Ave. Kenner, LA on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 11:00 am. Visitation begins at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at All Saints Mausoleum, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA 70130 or the Purple Heart Service Foundation at www.purpleheartassociation.org. The online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhomecom.