Mark Lynn Rippen

Mark Lynn Rippen, 65, of China Spring, passed away Thursday, March 25, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Graveside services with Masonic Rites will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 2, at China Spring Cemetery. Visitation with his family will be 5 - 7 p.m. Thursday, April 1, at OakCrest Funeral Home. Send a message and sign the Guest Book at www.oakcrestwaco.com

Mark was born July 6, 1955 in Waco, Texas to Gus and Millie Rippen. He was brought up and baptized in the Lutheran church. He graduated from Jefferson Moore High School in 1973. Mark married the love of his life Debbie Stanley on July 21,1973 and together they raised two children Lynn and Sarah.

Mark was a salesman in food service and worked as the manager of Kim’s Restaurant for many years. Family was so important to Mark. He truly took a hands-on approach to helping not only his family but many others that would call him friend. He found joy in coming up with ideas on how things could be fixed best, and didn’t mind making sure everyone involved did it his way.

Mark was a dedicated member of Fidellas lodge. He was a Past Master and received the Golden Trowel award for his continued service to his brothers.

If you had the pleasure of knowing Mark you know he could be found hanging out in his driveway leaning on the hood of his old Ford truck or on his lawn mower with his trailer in tow making his rounds to his kids’ house making sure all the work was getting done.

Mark had many things he did well, he was a wonderful cook, he could save a dime, and could fix just about anything. He was a true friend and would go out of his way to help others. Now when it came to his kids and grandbabies you couldn’t wipe the smile off of his face. He was beyond proud of them and loved them all in a special way that is hard to put into words. He was Paw and he loved being Paw he took so much pride in that.

We aren’t sure how we will go on without him, but he prepared us well by teaching us everything
we know.

Mark is preceded in death by his father, Gus Rippen; mother, Millie Rippen; father-in-law, Bill Stanley; and his beloved dog, Abby.

Left behind to cherish his life are his wife, Debbie Rippen; son, Lynn Rippen and wife Shelley; daughter, Sarah Rippen; granddaughters, Lacee Dudik and husband Colin, and Sydnee Robinson; great-granddaughters, Kimber Dudik and Kambrie Dudik; sister, Agnes Doell; mother-in-law, Gene Stanley; and many sister- and brother in-laws; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Scott Brown, Bryan Smith, Garret Smith, Justin Kelly, Jeremy Thompson, and Edward Arevalos.

Honorary pallbearers will be James Kelly, Jimmy Yowell, Doug Smith, and Wilbert “Walky” Wachtendorf.