Robert T. "Tippy" Lavely

Robert T. “Tippy” Lavely, 91, of Galesburg, died at 12:15 p.m. Friday, October 26, 2018 at home. Tippy was born July 3, 1927 in Cincinnati, OH the son of Walter L. and Mabel E. (DeSpain) Lavely. Tippy served in the US Navy from 1945 to 1946 and the US Marine Corp from 1951 to 1954 serving in Korea. He worked at Maytag for 35 years retiring in 1994. Tippy married Betty A. Hull. He later married Arlene M. Crouse on August 13, 1981. She preceded him in death on January 1, 2015. Tippy is survived by one son, Chris (Pat) Lavely of Hendersonville, TN; three daughters, Rebecca Lavely and Susan (John) Olson both of Galesburg, and Marsha (Tommy) Dean of Knoxville; as well as three step children. Also surviving Tippy are his ten grandchildren, Tracy (Mike) Bent, Julie (Cass) Traff, Dustin (Heather) Simmons, Summer (Chad) Bayne, Colton (Kianna) Lavely, Cherie (Corey) Knox, Brad (Teresa) Taylor, Nick (Carla) Yeast, Avery Dean, and Zack Dean; and 27 great grandchildren. Tippy was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter Lavely, Jr. and Louie Brems and one sister, Jean Brems.  Tippy enjoyed reading books, listening to music, puttering around the yard. As well as sitting on the front porch soaking up the sun! Tippy enjoyed going out to eat and taking long car rides when the weather was beautiful. He enjoyed old movies and had a sense of humor like no one else in this world. But most of all he loved his family more than anything else. He was the most loving, caring, and giving Dad, Grandpa, and friend anyone could ever ask for in this lifetime.  Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at the funeral home. Pastor John Carlson will officiate. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the family.