William T. “Bill” Tripp, 91, of Russell died Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at Salina, Kansas.

Bill was born December 6, 1920 in Cole County, Missouri, the son of William M. and Anna (Lister) Tripp.  He grew up in Missouri and graduated from New Bloomfield High School in Missouri.

Bill served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII and Korean War.  He received the Purple Heart from the battle at Normandy.  He was a life member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and the DAV.

Bill was united in marriage to Sylvia Teach in 1944.  They moved to Russell in the early 1950’s.  He worked and retired from the oilfields around Russell and the surrounding area.

Surviving family include his son, Robert T. Tripp and wife Donna of Magazine, Arkansas; daughter, Sheryl Ann Moore of Hutchinson, Kansas; daughter-in-law, Patti Jo Teach of Maize, Kansas; sister, Gloria Mitchell of Mexico, Missouri; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sylvia, son Larry Teach, granddaughter, Tiana Teach, brothers James, Percy, Leonard, Glenn, Charles, and sisters, Fern Geising and Beatrice Wallace.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, April 30, 2012 at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell, Kansas.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 1 PM Monday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 11 AM to 1 PM.  A memorial has been established with the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these funeral arrangements.