Dorsey Phipps

Dorsey Phipps was a proud, hardworking man, self-taught and self-made, a wonderful man who lived a life he so richly deserved. He was a proud veteran, loving husband and devoted father and grandfather, and a loyal friend to so many. Most of all, Dorsey was a man who taught us that anything worth having is worth earning, and enjoying, just as he always did. Dorseys story began on a warm fall day in 1919, in the little town of Stanton, Kentucky. Those were hopeful times in this country, as our nation picked itself up after the hardships of World War I, and began a new era in so many ways. On September 22, 1919, Samuel and Minnie (Spencer) Phipps began their own new era, with the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Dorsey. Dorsey was the couples only child together, though he had several half-siblings, too. His dad was a railroad worker until he became disabled, so the family packed up and left Kentucky, heading to the pastures of Crandon, Wisconsin, where he became a farmer and raised Dorsey and the kids. Dorsey attended school through the eighth grade, but he was wise beyond his school-educated years. He was a very bright young man, and became self-taught at many things in life, with a keen intellect and a natural curiosity. After Pearl Harbor was attacked in December of 1941, Dorsey ran out and joined the Army, like so many brave young men of his generation. He did several stints overseas and had been stationed in the Philippines for quite some time. However, one evening while Chicago area he went to a local nightclub. There he met a beautiful young woman named Gladys Fowler, and the sparks flew between them. They began dating, and were married on February 3, 1943, while Dorsey was still in the service. He served as a cook, and served at several different institutions and hospitals in the Army, becoming a sergeant in the process. When he was discharged in 1945, Dorsey found a country in tough economic times, and soon decided to re-enlist to provide for his wife and soon-to-be-growing family. The couple was blessed with three wonderful children over the years, first born son Dorsey Jr. (nicknamed Butch), Gary, and Margo, who was always Daddys little girl. Butchs earliest memory of his dad was in his Army uniform, complete with his sidearm gun, quite impressive to the youngster. Dorsey served in the Army until May of 1950, when the family settled in shoreline city of Muskegon, Michigan. Gladyss family was from the northern Michigan town of Scottville, and Dorsey found work as a core maker at CWC, an auto-parts manufacturer in Muskegon. Dorsey and Gladys both worked hard to provide for their family, but as hard as he worked, he always made time for his children. He was a stern father, but they never doubted his great love for them, and they did much together, as well. Dorsey was an avid outdoorsman, taking the boys hunting and fishing with him, and they loved camping as a family, too, going around in their little tent camper. They took many, many camping trips out West, visiting all the great National Parks, including Yosemite, the Rockies, Glacier National Park, and the Grand Canyon, too! After almost a decade as a cook in the Army, Dorsey prided himself on doing his share of cooking, from full gourmet meals, to his world-famous chili and cornbread. He was a frugal man in many ways, from growing up during the Depression, and even saved the soap slivers to form a new bar whenever he could! He also paid cash for everything (his first car and his house were the only things he ever took a loan for), and believed if he couldnt buy it outright, he didnt need it. He made sure his wife and children never wanted for anything, though, and took great pride in providing for them. As hard as he worked, Dorsey played equally hard, and loved rooting for his beloved Green Bay Packers. Even after spending most of his life in Michigan, he never converted to being a Detroit Lions fan! And despite being a frugal man, Dorsey always made sure they had plenty of toys, too! The family had snowmobiles and road bikes, and Gladys loved riding them almost as much as Dorsey did! (One of the many things they had in common). When Daddys little girl finally grew up and got married, the joke was that they could finally afford their Cadillac, new motorcycles, and the big boat, to boot! After putting in nearly 30 years at CWC, he retired in 1977, a well-deserved retirement he enjoyed to the fullest. Upon retirement, Dorsey and Gladys became professional shuffleboard players, and traveled all over with their newfound passion. They were an incredible team, and won too many trophies to count! Dorsey enjoyed his retirement immensely, and later marveled that I was retired almost as long as he worked! Not many people can say that and I have enjoyed all of it! He especially loved spending it with his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a doting granddad, and the kids remember spending the night at their house and crawling into bed with them, only to have grandpa tickle them until they couldnt stop laughing! Dorsey was always active, and walked regularly up until his final days. He began having heart trouble, and though he didnt want to, he had heart surgery. Ive had a good run, and Im going to take my chances, Dorsey once famously said. In November of 2007, he slowed down some, and sadly, he died on Tuesday, November 20, 2007, at the age of 88. Dorsey was a proud, hardworking man, self-taught and self-made, a wonderful man and an even better example. He was a proud veteran, a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather, and a loyal friend to so many. Most of all, Dorsey was a man who taught us that anything worth having is worth earning, and enjoying, just as he always did. He will be greatly missed. Dorsey is survived by 1 son, Dorsey "Butch" Phipps Jr. of Muskegon; 1 daughter, Margo (Butch) Burton of Muskegon; 6 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren & several half brothers & sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys & son, Gary Phipps. Services are scheduled for Monday, November 26, 2007, 1:00 PM at the Clock Chapel. Visitation is Sunday, 4-7 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Harbor Hospice. To share a memory or photo of Dorsey, or to sign his online guestbook, please visit his Memory Page at www.lifestorynet.com.