Neil J Tippets

Neil J Tippets, age 81, passed away suddenly at his
home in Logan.
He was born in McCammon, Idaho, October 7, 1925, the
first child of John Clayton Tippets and Anna Marie
Hall. In October 1947 he met Nelda Yost, a beautiful
young French horn player from Bancroft, Idaho, in the
USU marching band. They were married June 1, 1948 in
the Logan Temple. They have enjoyed 58 years of life
together.
As a young boy in McCammon Neil began playing the
trumpet, setting his life on a course that would be
filled with music. By the time he was in junior high
school he, and two of his cousins that also played
trumpet, were winning music contests in Idaho and one
in Colorado. At the recommendation of his band
teacher, he formed a dance band. This dance band, "The
Melody Serenaders" became a source of income and
enjoyment throughout his high school years. They
played at many school dances and other events in the
surrounding area. For many years Neil formed and
played in dance bands in Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming.
During his high school years World War II was in full
force; and by graduation Neil was accepted into the
Army Air Corps as a Cadet in the pilot training
program. During his tour in the military he was moved
from base to base where he waited for openings in
flight school. This gave him the opportunity to play
his trumpet in bands at bases where he was stationed.
His opportunity to fly was cut short by the end of the
War. At that time he was given the choice to either
remain in the Air Corps for training or be discharged.
He decided to head home.
Neil earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in music
education in 1949 from Utah State University. He then
took his young family to Afton,Wyoming, where he
accepted a teaching position at Star Valley High
School. This began many years of teaching concert band
and choir and producing school musicals. In 1966 he
furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Music
degree, also from USU. While teaching in Afton, his
groups consistently earned superior ratings at
festivals and contests. During his tenure at Star
Valley High School he produced many musicals including
Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, Sound of Music,
Oklahoma, Carousel, and many more. Hundreds of young
men and women were enriched by his enduring love of
music and youth.
Neil was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities in the
Church including counselor in a branch presidency,
bishop’s counselor, Young Men’s President, High Priest
Group Leader, Stake High Council, Ward choir director,
and Stake Music Chairman. He and Nelda worked in the
Logan Temple for 10 years, and were family history
missionaries in the Cache Genealogical center in
Logan.
For many years Neil loved to be outdoors with his
family. They spent many days hiking in the mountains
surrounding Star Valley. He and his family went on
many fishing and camping trips in Yellowstone and
along the Snake River and its tributaries in western
Wyoming. Every summer he and Nelda would load up the
family and travel to many destinations in the West
including the Black Hills of South Dakota, Glacier
National Park, San Francisco, California, and many
others. He was also an avid golfer.
Neil is survived by his wife Nelda, two daughters,
Julie Ann Hirschi and Susan Marie (Tony Call), and one
son Jerry Clayton (Karen). He and Nelda have 10
grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday,
October 23 in the Eastridge Ward with Bishop Kris
Larsen conducting. Family and friends can gather at
two viewings, Sunday, October 22, from 6:00 - 7:30 at
the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center in Logan, and
10:30 - 11:45 at the Eastridge Ward building, 1350
Eastridge Drive prior to services. Interment will be
in the Providence City Cemetery. Condolences and
memories may be extended to the family online at
www.allenmortuaries.net .