George Nipper

George Edward Nipper, also known as “Eddie”, of Belgrade was born on November 3, 1946 in Ironton, a son to the late George Leonard and Edith (Tedder) Nipper. Eddie attended the Belgrade United Methodist Church his entire life, his faith was absolute and unconditional, finding great meaning and joy in participating in the “Christians in mission” annual Mission trip.

Eddie attended school in Belgrade and Caledonia graduating in 1964 from Valley High School. He went on to attend Flat River Junior College from 1964 to 1966. In 1966, Eddie was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a Combat Engineer receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1968. He was a proud veteran and lifetime member of VFW Post 6947.

While attending Southeast Missouri State college he met the love of his life in 1976. After graduating in 1978, Eddie married Judy Kay Epps at Hazel Creek Church of God and they were blessed with over 42 years of marriage. Eddie taught Physical Education for a brief time at both Belgrade and Caledonia, he was known for teaching class, doing handstands, throwing a mean dodge ball, and coaching basketball. His 6th Grade basketball players had the honor of carrying him to his rest.

Eddie retired from District 36 Division of Probation and Parole after 22 years in April of 2010, another time in his life like teaching where he was able to help and educate. He believed in second chances and was never judgmental, if you were in Eddie’s care you knew you were going to get a fair shake.

After retiring you could usually find both Eddie and Judy camping from spring to fall enjoying all Missouri parks had to offer. Over the years, there became a large group of friends that would camp together for which there are countless stories and escapades that will keep bringing smiles and belly laughs and probably a lot of tears around the campfire. He will be missed dearly by all his camping friends.

Eddie supported our school system and our sports, He spent 8 years on the Valley R-VI school board and was a common fixture at most all Valley games. He belonged to the Belgrade Roy’s ‘Solver of All Problems Coffee Club’, he couldn’t pass up a free quarter while walking by the bandit. He was a collector of everything and if you needed it he probably had it, “just not sure where it is.”

Eddie passed away suddenly at home on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, having reached the age of seventy-four years, six months and twenty-three days.

Those who remain to cherish his memory include his loving camping buddy and wife Judy Nipper; children Deanna (Paul) Redinger, Joe (Jackie) Nipper, and Jeff Nipper; grandchildren, Austin (Averie) Wigger, Sahwna (Mike)Warden, Peyton Nipper, Chloe Nipper, Garrett Redinger, Brylee Redinger, Isabella Nipper, Olivia Nipper, and great-granddaughter Amelia Rose Wigger, great grandsons Wayne and Gabriel; sisters Connie (Garrie) Waller, Marcia (Kevin) Bowles, and Cheryl (Bob) Keenan, his favorite nephew, and many nieces.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, George and Edith Nipper; brother, Hurshel Nipper; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leonard and June Mae Epps.

Visitation was held on Saturday, May 29th from 5 to 8 p.m. at DeClue Funeral Home.

Visitation resumed on Sunday, May 30th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Belgrade United Methodist Church, in Belgrade. A funeral service followed the visitation at 1 p.m. with Pastor Glen Land officiating. Full military honors were presented by the United States Army and VFW Post 6947.

Funeral arrangements were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home.