Aubrey Eugene Sipes

Aubrey Eugene Sipes of Jacksonville, a life-long resident of Texas, was born April 24, 1927; and died in Tyler Feb. 18, 2007.

Aubrey was born in Dallas. At the age of three, his family moved to East Texas which he always considered to be home. He served in the military between August 1945 and December 1948, spending time in the Marshall Islands and attaining the rank of Sergeant in the Air Corp.

Following his military career, Aubrey worked as an iron worker and welder. His craftsmanship can still be found all over Dallas and East Texas.

Aubrey was preceded in death by his daughter, Aleta Jo Brannon; parents, Richard and Jimmie Sipes; brother, J. R. Sipes and sisters, Una Witherspoon and Lola Berry.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Moody Sipes of Jacksonville; sons, Larry E. Sipes of Fountain, Colo.; and Robert W. Sipes of Grand Saline; sister, Faye McNair of Dallas; step-sons, James Moody of Porter; Joe Moody and wife, Anne of Bullard; and Jackie Moody of Mount Enterprise; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren nieces and nephews.

Aubrey was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville; Adult 6 SS Class; Golden Jubilee; Jacks ‘n Jills Square Dance Club; and ETMC Volunteer Auxiliary. He enjoyed wood and metal work and raising Confederate Roses, which he generously shared and planted throughout East Texas.

For 79 years until most recently, he truly enjoyed his life. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. His family and friends will miss him.

Pallbearers will include Alvin Coleman, Jim Eyre, Jack Williams, Gerald Gray, Jimmie Tankersley and Kenneth Melvin.

Honorary pallbearers include members of ETMC Auxiliary.
Aubrey’s life will be celebrated in a service at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007, at the First Baptist Church, 210 Phillips St. Jacksonville; under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home with Pastor Vernon E. Lee officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in Jacksonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ETMC Auxiliary, 903-586-5000.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., today, at the funeral home.

February 20, 2007

Information from the Jacksonville Daily Progress.