Melvin Everett Leroy Tipton, Jr., 79, died June 23, 2024, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.  He was born September 1, 1944, in Washington, D.C. to Everett Leroy and Faye (Perryman) Tipton, Sr.

Melvin served in the military, where he made a career of defending our nation and mentoring the soldiers that he led. He also worked for both the City of Hutchinson and Reno County fire departments throughout his storied career of over 30 years.  He retired as the Arson Investigator for the City of Hutchinson and as a First Sergeant in the Army.  Melvin enjoyed cooking, watching sporting events and old western movies, and spending time with family. He was a member of D.G. Lett Lodge #30, Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas, (PHGLKS), Hutchinson, and York Rite Masonry Pilgrim Chapter #24, for over 40 years. Melvin served in numerous leadership roles, including past Master, secretary, and oversaw multiple charity activities for the organization. He was also a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and the VFW Post 1361, both of Hutchinson.

On December 23, 1978, he married Melva Jane Smith, in Hutchinson.  They shared 44 years of marriage, before her death on November 23, 2022.  After both Melvin and Melva retired, they gave up their hobbies and just spent quality time with each other; that was all they needed.

Melvin is survived by:  sons, Melvin L. Tipton, III (Amy Scott) of Wichita and Kevin D. Tipton of Hutchinson; siblings, Mary Alice Jackson (Albert), Michael W. Tipton (Allison), and Michelle Kay Johnson; grandchildren, Katana Tipton, Maleah Tipton, Aryn Tipton, Sierra Cash, Brooke Whitford, Kevin Tipton, Jr., Olivia Tipton, Arionna Tipton, Kylea Tipton, Jourden Tipton, Kalyah Mosiman, Brandon Tipton, Jarrod Tipton, Larissa Tipton, Karissa Tipton, Najahuan Tipton, Andrew Sanburn and Jacob Knudsen; great-grandchildren, Amitai Tipton-Holmes, Aiko Tipton-Holmes, and Arthur Sanburn; niece, Valerie Brashears; nephew, Brian Brashears; and many more loving family members.

He was preceded in death by:  his parents; daughter, Jennifer Knudsen; son, Aron Tipton; sister, Dorothea "Elaine" C. Brashears; and a brother, William Howard "Butch" Tipton; brother-in-law, Steve Johnson.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Elliott Chapel, with the Reverend William J. Green, Sr. officiating.  Military honors will be conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.  Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary.

Click here to view Melvin's funeral service.

Memorials are suggested to the Melvin Tipton, Jr. Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.  To benefit the Melvin Tipton, Jr. Memorial Fund, please make the check payable to Elliott Mortuary.