Columbus Lipsey

89, of Kalamazoo MI passed away on Friday, September 14, 2018 following a brief illness. Born September 3, 1929 in Houston, Mississippi, Columbus was the youngest of 13 children born to Thomas and Modessie (Hill) Lipsey. He grew up in the Houston/Houlka area of Mississippi where he participated in his family's church, Wesley Chapel CME. He and his wife Luevada (Bean) welcomed their first child Alexander in Mississippi before settling in Kalamazoo Michigan. The family found a church home at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church and later their daughter Patricia was born. Columbus enlisted in the National Guard on January 19, 1952 where he served until called to active duty in the United States Army in January of 1962. He served multiple tours of duty, first in Germany and then in Vietnam. Upon his discharge, he moved to Flint and began his 25 year career as a Postal Worker. After retiring from the Post Office he moved back to Kalamazoo at the insistence of his sisters, Lucille and Arstillure and he resided there until his passing. Columbus was preceded in death by his parents, his former wife Luevada, his step-son, Larry Lipsey; brothers, George Willie, Aughtery, Alec, Ira Lee and Thomas Jr. ; sisters Annie Enouch, Bessie Jennings, Lucille Crawford, Daisy and Ophelia, a nephew Vincent Tubbs and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his son, Alexander (Anne) Lipsey; daughter, Patricia (Vincent) Taylor; brother Chester B. Lipsey; a special caregiver Shelly Reese; four grandchildren; seven great grand children and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial services were held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Fresh Fire A.M.E. Church with internment on Monday, September 24, 2018 at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made in Columbus Lipsey's memory to the: Barrier Free (Building Fund) of Allen Chapel AME Church and The Building/Roof fund of Fresh Fire AME Churc The family was supported by Harper Funeral Homes, Inc.