Albert Wayne Tipton, 85, died peacefully at Stillwater Medical Center Monday morning Dec. 9 after spending the weekend surrounded by the family he loved so much.
Albert Wayne was born Sept. 23, 1939, the second son of Mina Fay and Silbey Carroll Tipton in Coleman, Texas. He grew up in Coleman and later attended High School in Shamrock, Texas.
Albert Wayne served his country in the United States Army and while stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri he met the love of his life, Elizabeth. Their 61-year marriage was filled with love, adventure and generosity. They owned many businesses, had a home on their farm in Missouri that was open to any in need and traveled together later in Wayne’s career working together on many projects.
Albert Wayne was known for his wandering spirit which took him across the United States working pipelines and later fiber optic cable projects.
“Snake” as he was known on the pipeline worked the Alaskan pipeline in the mid 1970’s and worked countless jobs through his career that spanned 40 plus years. One of his largest legacies is the myriad of people he broke out and mentored over the course of his career.
Albert Wayne was known for his large personality that could charm a room with his happy nature and quick wit. He was a big man, and his daughter loves to tell the story about Sept. 23, 1939 – Dec. 9, 2024
how they played Long Tall Texan when he came in the bar and one of his grandsons called him The Man, the myth, the Legend.
He was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns, loved fishing and playing Blackjack and betting on Football games.
What he loved more than anything however was spending time with his family. He loved his daughters and son without condition and spoke to each every day. To truly see him though was to see him with his grandchildren being their Peepa.
Albert Wayne had a natural way with and loved all children. He would tease, torment, love and spoil all at the same time and he missed the children of his neighborhood when he moved to Ponca City this past year.
Perhaps his biggest legacy however is the generosity he displayed over the course of his life. It is unknown how many people he helped through the years with a job, a loan, place to stay or some other hand up. It is a legacy that his family cherishes and is an example of biblical kindness.
Albert Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, brother and best friend Bobby Eugene and his partner in crime Granddaughter Stephanie, lovingly known as Sugar.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years Elizabeth, children Becky Gribben and husband Tim of Tulsa, son Mike and wife Jeannie of Tucumcari, NM and daughter Sonja and husband Jay of Ponca City.
Albert Wayne also leaves behind seven grandchildren Emily, Ashley, Travis, Adam, Mariah, Presley and Jack along with their families that includes 7 great grandchildren.
Services and arrangements were Friday, Dec. 13 at Hunn, Black & Merritt Funeral home in Eufaula. Burial followed at Greenwood Cemetery.
