Richard John Rypma

Obituary for Richard J Rypma
Richard John Rypma (87) of Denver, CO died on February 16, 2023. He had been in a
memory care community for over 2 years, but visited often by his family and friends.
Richard was born on March 19, 1935 in Smith Center, Kansas, to Dorothy Edith Moore
Rypma and Frank John Rypma. He was the youngest of 4 children who preceded him
in death. Chester Justin Rypma, Burnette Rypma Brooker, Lucille Rypma Mailahn.
Richard was married for 55 years to Janice Ocie Lonsberry Rypma, married on July 20,
1956. She preceded him in death in 2011.
Richard served in the Air Force (1954-1958) and served in the Air Force reserves
(1958-1962). He attended Otero Jr. College in La Junta, CO where he received his
Associates Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, then went to work for Sundstrand
Aviation in Denver, CO. He also was in lighting sales for Duro Test lighting, created his
own lighting business R. J. Enterprises, and owned and operated a retail store,
Lampshade Fashions in Las Vegas, NV. Richard retired to his mountain cabin “Hog
Heaven” in 2001.
Over his lifetime he resided in Smith Center, KS, Beloit, KS, Alexandria, LA, LaJunta,
CO, Northglenn, CO, Las Vegas, NV, and the most important residence was “Hog
Heaven, USA” (his beloved mountain cabin in Colorado).
Richard loved his family, his country, airplanes, airshows, cars, collecting pigs, building
anything with his hands, wood working, cutting timber, improving Hog Heaven
property, playing games, eating good food and entertaining guests. He always kept his
love for life and sense of humor until the very end and Praised God for everyday and
everything.
He is survived by his Daughters: Crystal Dawn Ethridge (Scott), and Mitze Lynn
Lumpkin (John) and his 4 grandchildren Kimberly Ethridge Shugert (Daniel), Dustin
Ethridge (Bridget), Marina Lumpkin Choi (Peter), and Aaron Lumpkin.
A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 am on Monday March 20, 2023 at
Foothills Bible Church, 6100 S. Devinney Way, Littleton CO 80127 (303) 904-4322 . A
lunch reception will immediately follow at the church. Interment prior to celebration of
life service (family only) at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO.
Arrangements are being provided by Stork-Bullock Family Mortuary, 1895 Wadsworth
Blvd. Lakewood, CO 80214 (303) 237-5350 sbmortuary.com
For information or to send flowers contact Stork/Bullock Family Mortuary
In Lieu of flowers consider contributions to Foothills Bible Church
(foothillsbiblechurch.org), Samaritans Purse (samaritanspurse.org), or the
Alzheimers Association (alz.org).