Ron was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Julius and Kay Hipp. He attended St. Joseph Elementary, Kapaun Memorial High School, and graduated from the University of Notre Dame. He is survived by his brother, Ken (Peggy), and sister, Judy Marstall (John), both of Wichita.
Ron was a devoted husband to his wife of 53 years, Barbara. He was a loving father and grandfather. Roger (Cheryl) resides in Alexandra, VA, Tim ( Shannon) lives Atlanta, GA, with grandchildren Flannery, Charlie, and Eliot. Brian (Ashleigh) lives in Overland Park, Kansas, with grandsons Andrew and Alexander, and Suzie Nguy (Scott ) resides in Portland, Oregon, with grandchildren Evelyn, George, and Julius.
Ron was a longtime volunteer at his parish church, St. Thomas Aquinas in Wichita. He volunteered for the Red Cross after Katrina in New Orleans, spent four years working at the St. Michael Catholic Indian School on the Navajo Reservation near St. Michaels, Arizona, and served with the Missionary of the Poor in Jamaica through All Saints Church in Atlanta.
After living 60 years in Wichita, Ron moved to St. Michaels, Arizona for four years. Then, to be closer to his children and help with his grandchildren, he moved to Atlanta for two years, then Rockford, Illinois for two years, before finally settling in Overland Park.
He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and an avid traveler. He visited 49 states, most of the National Parks, and attended sporting events of all kinds, from baseball and football to hockey, horse racing, golf, and the Indy 500 four times.
Ron wanted to thank his family and dear friends for all their support throughout his life. His family wants to thank everyone for their recent kindness.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the child development center that enabled his grandsons to thrive. B.E. Smith Family Center, Advent Health Kansas City Foundation, 7315 E. Frontage Road, Ste. 221, Merriam, KS 66204.
Services will be at Cure of Ars, Leawood, KS, on Friday, March 25.The Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m., followed by the mass. A reception will follow. The burial will be private.