Jesse Tipton Sr.

Jesse Tipton, Sr., a resident of Shawnee, passed away peacefully at his Shawnee home on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at the age of 62. Jesse was born on October 2, 1961 in Harrisburg, PA to Bobby Lynn Tipton Sr. and Johnnie Ruth (Moore) Tipton.

Jesse was born into a military family. While his father served our country in Viet Nam, there was an accidental shooting which eventually caused Jesse to lose his leg and have other health issues. As a young child, he spent many days at Shriners Children's Hospital in Lousiana. His family lived around the Maryville, Tennessee area until the early 1970's where his father was stationed at Altus Air Force Base. Jesse was a boy scout and a member of the Altus High School Marching Band. While he attended Altus High School, he met the love of his life, Sharvella Smith. After Jesse's dad retired from the military, the family moved to Walland, Tennessee where Jesse attended Heritage High School and was a member of the swim team there.

On January 1, 2003 Jesse and Sharvella were married in Shawnee, Oklahoma. They remained happily enjoined until his death. Jesse and Sharvella both loved fostering and they were parents to numerous children, and loved each of these children as if they were their own.

During his adult life Jesse remained an active member of the Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross, and served as a volunteer for the Tri-County Challengers softball team. He loved taking pictures and became quite a craftsman with his imaging. Most of all Jesse considered his family as his greatest of many treasures. He loved spending time with each family member while always including his fostered children amongst his greatest of blessings.

Jesse is preceded in death by his father, Bobby Lynn Tipton, Sr.; his mother, Johnnie Ruth Moore Tipton; a brother, Bobby L Tipton Jr.; a son, Jesse Tipton Jr.; a very special cousin, Ronnie Tipton; and by several aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.

He is survived by his wife Sharvella Tipton of the home; daughters Charitie Byrd and husband Mike of Shawnee and Seanna Clark and husband Chad of Shawnee; a stepson, Isaac Johns of Tennessee; a stepson, Robert Hobbs of Shawnee; son, Jason Tipton of Tennessee; two foster sons, Donovon Mason and Hunter Jensen, both of the home; 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; other extended family and many good friends.

A wake service will be held at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Shawnee on Tuesday, April 2 2024 at 6:30pm with Fr. Christopher Brashears officiating. A memorial service/funeral mass will be held at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Shawnee on Wednesday, April 3, 2024at 10:00 am. Immediately following the memorial service, a brief committal service will be held at Calvary Cemetery on US 177 at Paul Koehler Drive in Shawnee. After the committal a luncheon will be served at St Benedict Catholic Church. Services are under the direction of McElyea & Owens Funeral Group in Shawnee.

During the early years of Jesse's life, he was injured and required extensive medical care over the years. The family has designated Shriners Childrens Hospital as appropriate for memorial contributions in Jesse's name. That institution was very dear to Jesse's heart and he admired and loved the people there as they continue to bless children with remarkable medical care.

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