Clerman “Ed” Ray Phipps, 90, of Waco, joined his Heavenly Father on Friday, March, 28, 2014. Funeral services will be 10am, Wednesday, April 2nd, at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel, 5201 Steinbeck Bend, in Waco, officiated by Pastor C.W. Whorton. Interment will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5-7pm, Tuesday, April 1, also at the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at https://www.lakeshorefuneralhome.com.
Ed was born October 10, 1923 to the late Lee and Ivy (Bledsoe) Phipps. He was a native Texan who was raised in the Corsicana State Home from the age of 9, after the passing of his parents. Ed would later join the United States Marine Corps, and began a 27 year career serving our country, which included time in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, for which we was awarded a Purple Heart.
In 1957, Ed married the love of his life, Jestene Creacy, and together they shared 56 years. After retiring from the USMC and returning back to Texas full time, he spent his retirement years travelling with Jestene, and enjoying his family and home.
Ed enjoyed music of the Big Band era and was active as an officer at the VFW Post. He was a member of Park Lake Drive Baptist Church for over 20 years and enjoyed the time spent each Sunday morning with his Sunday School Class. Ed was loved by many and will be missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a twin sister, Clara Fitts, and younger sister, Cuba Martin; one brother, Warren Phipps; and daughter, Sandra Langford.
He is survived by his dear wife, Jestene Phipps, of Waco; two daughters, Marilyn Winford and husband, Jim, of Bulverde, and Carol Mitchell and husband, Gary, of California; one grandchild; two great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Reinhart and wife, Margaret, of California; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ed’s honor be made to the VFW Post 2034, c/o Robert Carter, 374 Sunland Park, Robinson, TX 76706.
Print Obituary & Condolences
So sorry for you loss – I only knew him for a short time but he was a very interesting man.
So sorry for your loss – I only knew him for a short time but he was a very interesting man and I know you must all miss him.
Clerman touched our lives with Love, Laughter, and Jazz…
He shared wonderful stories with Roman about his time as a U.S. Marine spanning from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. We are honored to have known such a Dynamic man. As a fellow brother of the Purple Heart… You are and will always be a True American Patriot… You will be Missed.
Our sincerest condolences for the lost of your husband Jestene. We know how much he truly Adored and Cherished you as his True Love.
Love always,
Roman and Belinda Rodriguez
Our deepest sympathies. Uncle Clerman will be greatly missed. I’ll never forget that Easter we spent with you guys and he hid our chocolate eggs out in the sun! Truly one of my favorite memories of him. Sending our love from Wisconsin.
Monica, David, Aubrey, and Norah
To Jerry and family:
To know this dear man was to love him. He will be one I will look for when Jesus calls me. So sorry I could not make the visitation and services for Ed. My heart is heavy for the family but I know he is dancing and celebrating being truly HEALED! And, looking into the face of his creator. I thank God for Ed as he and I shared a bond, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was the BEST cancer buddy I could have ever hoped for. I feel so blessed to have shared that journey with him and his sweet wife, Jerry. Love you Jerry and please know you are being prayed for and lifted to the Father daily. I know you will miss him and I also know and believe we will all see each other again soon!
One day at a time dear friend! We love you!
John and Teresa Ashley