May the Angels carry you home dear friend .  I will always remember that smile and how you loved telling your stories. May God hold you and your family in his arms forever. A great man and an awesome pilot. Always friendly and cared for everyone.  God Bless you “RIP” you will be missed by many.

Brenda Mason Brahan

                               “RIP”   (an acrostic)
Grover! – I love your name – kindest 
                      character on the first Sesame St episodes

Ripley – but my friends call me ”Rip”.  
                  “Hey Rip, Sue Clark from North Carolina

Over a short period of time we became 
                  friends with many planting discussions

Very soon we claimed the 100’ x 200’ square
                 of land behind us, “Our Park”

Everything – he knew everything about everything

Rescue – he rescued me, I cut my finger with the
                     hedger –  not as bad as it seemed

Relentless – read all instructions & properly applied,
                           assembled, etc

Intriguing – Military pilot, Cardinal’s pilot, Reserve pilot, 
                          Deep Sea fisherman

Pain – stark raving gripping, terrible pain – silently endured

Life – full of it – couldn’t keep it down – 
              springing forth in thoughts and opinions 

Ever willing to come to the repairing aid of his neighbors

Yep, Grover Ripley, I liked you a lot, no – 
                           loved you - best neighbor ever
									                  Sue Clark, 
                                                                                         Isa 26:3


God's speed my old friend. I'll always cherish the time we had together.  The fishing trips, the golf we played and the flying we did and yes the emergency PC repairs. Our family mourns the loss of a true friend.

Rest in Peace Rip

Tom Jordan

My condolences to Rips family. I was Rips plumber for the last 15 years. He was a valued customer of mine but even more he was a treasured friend. There were many times when I was in the area and I would stop by and say hello. He was witty and always had something nice to say. He encouraged me to do my best. I will fondly remember the conversations we had  at his kitchen table. God bless. 


I remember a deployment to Gulfport, MS and I was outside talking to the Air Advisor LTC Charlie Arnett who was the Supervisor of Flying that day.  I said, do you think Col Ripley will do a flyover and about that time, I heard him asking the tower for a 200 feet clearance for a flyover.  As Charlie and I ducked as the jets flew overhead, I asked was that 200 feet?  Charlie replied, no that was about 50!!  Later that day back in Ops, I saw Rip and told him that was quite a flyover, he replied, thanks I saw you as we went by and I replied, I bet you did!!!  May you Rest In Peace.  Stevie

"Rip"

Glad to have flown with you and then later played golf and shared stories.

I'll miss you friend

Mike Brandt

Rip and I spent close to 40 years with the guard and I watched him grow from an airman to General . Sad to hear of his passing . Vern

Our Prayers go out to the family of Col. Ripley and express our thoughts of him during my military days.  I have on my computer  a  photo of Col. Ripley in his flight suit taken many years ago.  I have often thought of him and remember how he was always friendly with me and always had a moment to ask about me and my family.  I know that he is "Standing His Final Inspection" before our Commander-In-Chief God and he will be with Jesus forever.  May God Bless him and his family.  Present Arms.........RIP my Brother-In-Arms

Rip's quick wit and brilliant mind was always a source of entertainment for me as we often bantered with each other.   He had a way of telling stories that made me laugh and yet fascinated me about his life as a pilot.  He was a kind hearted and generous man whose devotion to his family and friends here in Whitebrook was beyond reproach.  I will miss the sound of his voice and the wisdom of his advice.  My dear friend, I will miss you, always! 

Rip and I first met when we were both 23 years old.  The Control Tower was on top of the Air National Guard Hanger then at STL.  We wound up as "attached neighbors" in Whitebrook many years later.  He was an amazing man.  Always ready to help anyone at the drop of a hat.  He was a terrific pilot and I just know he is soaring higher today then he ever did before.. Love Ya Rip.....rest in peace.   

Rip was the guardian of our Whitebrook galaxy.  Our 4 year friendship started the day I moved in.  Then as always and with
a twinkle in his eye,  Rip was walking the sidewalks, lending a hand, answering questions about the neighborhood.  Rip lives on in the
beautiful memories he left behind.  Rest in peace, Rip. You will be missed.


We have many great memories of Rip while sharing the streets of Whitebrook as neighbors.  Rip was the unofficial caretaker of Whitebrook subdivision always looking out for his neighbors; always willing to give of himself to help others.  God bless you with peace and comfort in your new home, Rip.

OBITUARY

Grover Cleveland Ripley

September 3, 1935 – August 17, 2019

Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel

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