Tributes

Robert Carl Tipton was born on October 22, 1956, in Searcy, Arkansas, to Robert Lee Tipton and Lola Phemister Tipton. He spent five years of his childhood in Argentina, where his parents were missionaries. He learned Spanish and completed his first four years of school there. When Robert was nine years old, the family moved from Argentina to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. He was on the tennis team at Edinburg High School and graduated in 1975 as a National Merit scholar. To many, Robert’s personality was larger than life. He could be counted on to share what was on his mind, be it his opinion, an anecdotal story, trivia or a tribute to one of his favorite authors or song-writers/singers. He was a historian, musician, songwriter, political analyst, humorist. Robert was a fount of trivia in most any genre (literature, sports, music etc.). All this out of his voracious appetite as a reader. Robert was an extremely passionate sports fan, following events like: grand slam tennis tournaments, pennant races, and March Madness. He followed numerous sports, including: tennis, baseball, basketball, football, college and Olympic track, Not only a passionate fan, Robert had an incredible ability to recall games, and even individual plays, with minute detail. In recent years, fantasy football became a significant part of his daily dialog. Robert worked for a variety of companies wearing numerous hats, from freight dock loader/truck driver, salesman, customer service rep, to AR (Accounts Receivable) manager. He had a sound work ethic and found his niche at Hard Rock Infrastructure as AR manager, working there from 2014 to the present. In 1992 Robert and Lauren met in church in San Francisco, CA, while he was working in Newark, CA. Robert was a devout Christian throughout his life and was diligent about making sure – whether single or as the faithful leader of his family – that they were always active in church, wherever they lived. He was eager to offer devotional thoughts, lead singing, and teach Bible classes. Robert left us a great legacy, as he was always serious about his faith; it impacted every part of his life. As previously mentioned, Robert was a voracious reader in many genres and could talk at length about almost any subject. One of the first things he did when moving to a new place was to sign up for a library card. Robert asked Lauren when he barely knew her, "Do you have a library card?" His passion for reading was so apparent that he was sought out to serve on the board of the Bulverde Public Library. Family was important to Robert. He made an effort to spend time with grandparents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins; he was one of the most faithful attenders of the annual Phemister family reunion. He was a teller of hilarious stories, master of trivia, and writer of songs. Also, a distinguished tenor, Robert loved to sing. His harmonious voice was enjoyed by his family and friends. A cappella music was sung at church and Robert’s voice could be heard in melodious strains within the four-part harmony. Robert was a big man with a big heart. Family members were enveloped in his generous hugs. He was a steady rock for his family. His wife Lauren and their two children were his greatest delight. His most recent activities were participating in Toastmasters with his daughter, Eliana, and watching his son Jefferson get to State on his high school wrestling team. Robert Carl Tipton passed away unexpectedly on March 1, 2023. Robert is survived by his parents and his beloved wife of 30 years, Lauren Lange Tipton, his daughter, Eliana Tipton, and son, Jefferson Tipton. Robert was preceded in death by his stepfather Frank D. Williams and father-in-law Stuart I. Lange He also leaves behind his sisters, Rosalinda Walker (Wimon), Jenny Pollastro (Gene), Deanne McCrary (Kevin), and brother-in-law Eddie Kirk (Darlene, deceased). Additionally, Robert leaves behind mother-in-law Idola P. Lange, and sisters-in-law Karen Wolfe (Bob), Janice Lange (Steve Link, deceased), and brother-in-law Bryan Lange (Chrissie). Robert was determined to wear the title of: best uncle ever. His nieces: Emily Pollastro, Marcella Walker Clinard, Marissa Walker, Kristen McCrary Rollins, and Emily Lange along with nephews: Lamar Kirk, David Kirk, John Kirk, Martin Walker, Dominick Pollastro, Christopher Pollastro, Daniel Pollastro, Christopher Schilling, Joshua Lange, Robert M. Wolfe, Carmon Wolfe, Zechariah Lange, Matthew Lange and Lucus Lange, all deeply loved their ‘Uncle Rob.’ A Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Northside Church of Christ, 19818 US-281, San Antonio, TX. Those who cannot attend the service in person are welcome to watch the livestream at live.nscoc.org. There is an online guestbook in which people can write memories about Robert or messages to the family: www.missionparks.com, then search in the obituaries for Robert Carl Tipton.

Tributes

Robert Carl Tipton

October 22, 1956 - March 1, 2023