Gilbert W. Kiper

May 12, 1948 - December 24, 2020

Gilbert W. Kiper, age 72, died December 24, 2020 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. He was born May 12, 1948 in East Chicago, Indiana, the son of Cecil and Shirley Crenshaw Kiper. He graduated from Springfield High School in the class of 1967. Gil married Loretta Widmayer in Jackson, Michigan in 1972. Gil served in the United States Army as a medic. He was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Union City, Tennessee for 32 years as a tire builder and oiler. He was involved in many Good Year special events, his favorites being the Good Year Car Show and the Annual Christmas Children’s Program, dressed in his famous red suit as Santa. Upon retirement in 2009, he teamed up with Noerr Programs out of Colorado. Gill enjoyed woodworking, making many beautiful walking sticks, canes, and brooms. He also enjoyed collecting Indian artifacts and arrowheads. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Cathey. In addition to his wife, Loretta, Gilbert is survived by his daughter Ginger White (Joe); grandsons Kyle and Justin White; one brother Mike; sister-in-law Patricia Marquardt; brothers-in-law Philip Widmeyer (Jinney), and Steve Widmeyer; plus several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life for Gill is being planned at a later date. The family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P. O. Box 1000 – Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148. Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305 731.668.1111