John Edward Tipton entered into rest Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Beloved husband for over 56 years of Marilyn Tipton (nee Matthews); loving father of Daniel (Dana) and Mary (Jered) Nagle; dear grandfather of Isabella Nagle, Emma Nagle and Henry Tipton; dear brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Son to the late Jay Cowan, Sr. and late Gladys (Soniat) Tipton.
John was born in El Paso, TX and, at the age of 4, his family moved to St. Louis where he made his home in Webster Groves. He graduated from Webster Groves High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s in Political Science at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epislon social fraternity. He completed his MBA at Washington University in St. Louis. While in college, John worked in the mail room at McDonnell Douglas and, in 1963, began working there full-time. After the merger with Boeing, he continued his employment until his retirement in 2005. During his tenure he was assigned to many projects, including the Gemini space program, the Harpoon missile and the Tomahawk missile.
To put his political science background to use, he spent 4 years as alderman for Ward 1 with the City of Sunset Hills and served on the Parks and Recreation and Pool Boards. A lifetime patron of the arts, he served on the board of the Kirkwood Theater Guild for several years and was a longtime season ticket holder for the St. Louis Repertory Theatre and Stages St. Louis. He was also an active donor and member for other organizations and charities.
In his down time, he could usually be found in his lucky basement chair rooting for his precious Cardinals, Mizzou Tigers, SLU Billikens, or the former St. Louis Rams. Although his frequent travels took him to other parts of the world, he was particularly fond of his beloved Sister Bay, Wisconsin, which he considered his second home. Amongst friends he was adored for his warmth, his wicked sense of humor and his calm, steady presence.
But to us he’ll always be Husband, Dad, Ampa and Papa John, which he held as his greatest honor.
A celebration of life will be announced by the family later. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the St. Louis Chapter for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America; the Greater Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association; or donate for a lasting tribute or charity of your choice.