James Rudolph Ripberger

James R “Rudy” Ripberger, 86, of Connersville, died early Sunday morning, September 11, 2011, at his residence. Rudy was born August 3, 1925 in Fayette County to Russell and Dora T Callahan Ripberger. In 1943, he graduated from Connersville High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force later that year. Rudy attained the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving with the 2140th Base Unit during WW II. He was credited with flying 35 combat missions in the B-17 Bomber ball turret position, more commonly known as the “suicide gunner.” His military decorations included a 5th Oak Leaf Cluster for his service in the European Theater. On May 11, 1946, Rudy was married at the First Baptist Church in Connersville, to the former Freda Paxton who died June 22, 2001. Together, they physically built their own home on McCann Street. For 23 years, he was employed with the Connersville Fire Department, serving as fire chief in 1970 prior to his retirement in 1973. Rudy was a member of Central Christian Church, Firefighters Union, American Legion, VFW, AMVETS and the Fayette County Conservation Club. Rudy is survived by two sons: Thomas A. Ripberger and his wife, Sue; Dennis J Ripberger, all of Connersville; a sister: Sheila J. Ripberger of Connersville; twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, his former wife: Doshia Foster Ripberger of Connersville and many friends. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 55 years and a daughter-in-law: Mary Daniels Ripberger. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday where memorial contributions may be made to Indiana University Alzheimer’s Research or to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, visit www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.