Charles Tipton

Memorial service for Charles Tipton, 83, Lawrence, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.

Charlie’s path has run low and high, with many twists and curves. He was born on March 10, 1935, in Lawrence, KS. The youngest of seven children, he was just one year and seven months old when he was admitted to the Winfield State Training Center. Charlie lived at WSTC for the next 26 years.

After leaving Winfield, he lived in two nursing homes from 1962 to 1974. While living in the nursing homes, Charlie attended day services at the Bess Stone Activity Center (Cottonwood, Inc.’s earliest manifestation) which offered individuals living in nursing homes the opportunity for increased community inclusion. In 1974 Charlie’s involvement with the BSAC led to an invitation to move in to one of Cottonwood Inc.’s first group homes.

Charlie’s path dramatically brightened and broadened. Charlie’s successful and productive 43 year-long work history in both congregate settings and supported employment has outlived the dismissive and disserving institutional predictions.

Until his retirement from the CW work center a few years ago, Charlie was renowned for his high work ethic and gentle nature. He is known and beloved by all.

At 83 years of age, no one would begrudge Charlie full retirement. However, Charlie continued to hold two jobs in the Lawrence business community. He worked at New Physical Therapy and Royal Crest Lanes.

Charlie was awarded Achievement in the Workplace at the Interhab Conference in 2017.

Charlie is beloved by all.

We will miss him very much.