Thomas D. Kipping, 85, Springfield, passed away April 23, 2010 in Missouri Veterans Home, Mt. Vernon. He was born June 9, 1924in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Leo and Ruth Kipping. Thomas married Sarah Whitson on June 30, 1966. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Quincy. He retired from Tri-State Wholesale Florist. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Wayne L. "Bud", Lloyd J., William E. and Patrick G.; three sisters, Delores "Dolly" Recksieck, Patricia M. "Patsy" Vilsick, and Ruth Kipping; two sisters-in-law, Carlene Kipping and Lorraine Whitson; and two brothers-in-law, Howard Recksieck and George Vilsick. Thomas is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sarah; a sister, Nancy J. Kipping Peter and husband, Clarence "Pete" Peter; a brother, Daniel G. Kipping and wife, Pam; three sisters-in-law, Beulah Kipping Coopman; Patsy Kipping; and Vickie Kipping; brothers & sisters-in-law; Robert and Genevieve Whitson; Lyle Whitson; John and Bonnie Whitson; Walter and Margaret Mae Whitson; William and Margie Whitson; David and Deana Whitson; Margaret Marshall; Zelma Peter; Nora and Ronald Howell; and Ann and Larry Brandt; and many loved nieces and nephews. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2010 in Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Fergus Monaghan celebrant, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1500 South Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65804.