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 Missouri Chapter of 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.
Dear Tipton family,
We were sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet father.
Being neighbors across the street, we often stopped to chat with your parents. Your father was so kind, as he always asked how our family was doing.
He was a great man who will be so very missed. We will continue to pray for your family. With love and prayers,
Lori, Lisa & Lynn (Schifko)
Dear Tipton Family,
John was a great friend to Rick and me. He always greeted us at the door when we arrived for our Special Happy Hour together ❤️
We had a wonderful time with John and Marilyn just telling stories about our lives and of course having a few cocktails. We’ll miss him greatly. 😍
John was my first boss in the business world at McDonnell Douglas. When I left teaching in 1979, he hired me over objections from colleagues because he thought I could make the transition as he had done without an undergraduate business degree. After 6 months, I told John I was bored and was quitting to go back to teaching. Thankfully, he offered wise counsel and convinced me to stick with it. He also convinced me to get an MBA as he had done. I took his advice and wound up having a fruitful business career, mostly at Anheuser-Busch. We lost touch for over 40 years and then, a couple of years ago, something moved me to find John and thank him for making such a difference in my life and career. We were able to visit and stay in touch over the phone. We shared stories of the good old days and, most importantly, prayer and the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. JET was a kind gentleman and true scholar. Christ’s richest blessings to John’s family, friends, loved ones and the many people he mentored at McDonnell Douglas and Boeing.
Dear Tipton Family
I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. He was a kind and funny dad. No matter what trouble we got up to while our families hung out together over the 4th. Your dad’s sense of humor always help put things in perspective. We always knew our dads were in rare form when they started calling each other Billy and Johnny and at that time we could get away with almost anything. My thoughts are with you all.
Danielle van Wyk (Miltenberger)
Mr. Tipton was a very nice and funny man, whom I loved to visit as a volunteer at Bethesda. He will be greatly missed.
Marilyn and family,,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Deepest condolences. Good memories of our kids growing up together. May John RIP. 🙏
Virginia Navarro
Dan and Mary,
So sorry to hear of your dad‘s passing. I remember you both from preschool at Saint Peter’s and your sweet mother.
Thoughts and prayers coming your way.
Eileen Weyerich