Mr. Columbus Lipsey

September 3, 1929 - September 14, 2018

Columbus Lipsey went home to be with the Lord September 14, 2018 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born September 3, 1929 in Houston, Mississippi and was the youngest of thirteen children born to Thomas and Modessie (Hill) Lipsey. Columbus grew up in the Houston/Houlka area of Mississippi where he participated in his family’s church, Wesley Chapel CME. As the youngest Lipsey child, Columbus would “shadow” his older brother, Thomas Lipsey Jr., who was eight years his senior. In 1952, Columbus and new bride, the former Luevada Bean decided to relocate to Kalamazoo, the community where most of his siblings moved to. While in Kalamazoo he and his wife, Luevada found a church home at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church and later, his daughter, Patricia was born. On January 19, 1952, Columbus enlisted in the National Guard where he served until called upon to active duty in the United States Army in January of 1962. He served multiple tours of duty, the first in Germany and then in Vietnam, where he served as a Communications Expert. He was honorably discharged January 19, 1968. Upon his discharge, he moved to Flint, MI where he began his 25 year career as a Postal Worker, driving bulk mail trucks. He relocated there with his new wife, Beatrice, but they later departed ways after moving to Detroit, MI. While in Detroit he united in marriage to his college sweetheart, Clydie Mae Gamble, his high school sweetheart. After he retired from the Post Office, Columbus moved back to Kalamazoo at the insistence of his sisters, Lucille and Arstillure, and he resided there until his passing. Columbus enjoyed traveling, photography, dancing, meeting new people and attending the annual family reunions. He proudly wore his Vietnam veteran’s hat was equally proud to be a member of the Postal Worker’s Union. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Modessie Lipsey; 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; one nephew, Vincent Tubbs and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his son, Alexander (Anne) Lipsey; one daughter, Patricia (Vincent) Taylor; one brother, Chester B. Lipsey; a special caregiver, Shelly Reese; four grandchildren; seven great grandchildren. Also, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. In Lieu Of Flowers: It is requested that contributions be made in Columbus Lipsey’s memory to the: Barrier Free (Building Fund)of Allen Chapel AME Church 804 W. North Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan Or Building/Roof Fund of Fresh Fire AME Church 2508 Gull Road Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 490007