Roderick Robert Ripple

He was born in El Campo, Texas on December 23, 1940. His childhood in El Campo was clouded by contracting Polio at age 3. This did not keep him from living his life to the fullest. Rod and Betty met at North Texas University. They married one year later after graduation. Rod earned a bachelor’s degree of Business Management that allowed him to work for FW Woolworth after college in management. Rod’s career took him and his family to many cities all around the country. After two years in New Orleans, LA. his wife gave birth to two children to complete their family of four. In 1982, Rod’s last Woolworth store to manage in his long-distinguished career was opened in College Station, TX. His wife had established her career working as a teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School. They resided in College Station where they raised their children.

Rod had a lifelong love of vintage cars and would talk to anyone who would listen. He loved working on and selling any cars, especially Mustangs. Rod had started the first local Mustang Club in town. Because of his talent as a hands-on type of man, Rod could fix and build almost anything. He loved to fish and went fishing many times with anyone that would go. He thought of vacation time as “Family Time” that included many trips. Rod and Betty had a mutual appreciation for plants and growing gardens with vegetables. They continued to share this interest throughout their long and happy 60-year marriage.

He leaves behind his loving wife Betty Ripple and his son Randy Ripple and wife Nannette Ripple with grandchildren Justin and Tiffany. Also, his daughter Kelly Phillips and husband Daniel Phillips with grandchildren William and Annabel. Rod has one surviving sister JoAnn Jurica and husband Ernie Jurica, along with numerous nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, William Ripple and Josphine Ripple, and sister Lorine Hart.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 6:30pm on Monday, September 8th at Memorial Funeral Chapel located at 1515 S. College Ave., Bryan, TX. Followed by a Rosary recited at 6:30pm.

The funeral service will be held at 10am at the Memorial Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, September 9th. Interment will follow to Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Bryan. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, C/O St Joseph Catholic Church, 506 E. 26th Street, Bryan, TX 77803