“It hasn’t been a short life. It’s been long and it’s been good.” Gordon Devon Chipukites, better known as “Chip” passed away in the early morning hours of May 7, 2023, with family at his side. Chip was born November 7, 1942, in Elyria, Ohio to the late Reta Pigman and John Chipukites. He grew up attending school in Elyria and spending time serving on the Ohio State Junior Fair Board as well as being the president of the Ohio Vocational and Industrial Club. After graduating from Elyria High School, Chip attended Clemson University in Clemson, SC where he played football for the renowned Coach Frank Howard. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education in 1965, Chip then went on to earn his Master’s in Education Psychology & Guidance from the University of Tennessee.
Chip dedicated his career to education. He was the Itinerant Associate Professor of Trade and Industrial Education at Clemson University for 12 years. During his professional career, he served many organizations including Regional Vice President for the American Vocational Association, South Carolina Vocational. Association As Treasurer, Secretary, President-Elect, and President, President of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, South East Region Board Chair for the American Red Cross, and volunteer for the United Way. Chip was named Outstanding Vocational Educator for the southeastern region of the US and then the national AVA Outstanding Vocational Educator. Later being inducted into the South Carolina Vocational Education Hall of Fame. In 1985, Chip served on a delegation of vocational educators who visited China for 3 weeks to present papers on vocational education for handicapped and disadvantaged people.
In December 1996, Chip moved to Oklahoma, retired, and married Nancy Stiles. Just a few years later they purchased property in Cushing leaving the city behind for country living. Chip and Nancy have spent the years since on the farm with the exception of trips to visit his daughter’s family in Boston. Chip, a consummate worker, was known for tinkering with wood and metal, a master craftsman and inventor. He spent time gardening, was passionate about serving his church and community, and entertaining anyone who stopped in to visit rather it be with good conversation or an activity on the farm. He served as the moderator at Southern Plains District Church of the Brethren and Big Creek Church of the Brethren where he also served as the leadership team chair.
Chip was predeceased by his father John Chipukites, his mother Reta Chipukites Pigman, and step-mother Jerry Chipukites. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughter Jennifer and her husband Ken Koblan of Massachusetts; two step-children, Brenda (Mike) McDearmon and Carl Henry and his wife Gina of Texas; six siblings, Connie (Ed) Lewis of Ohio, Anna (Tim) Zuba of Michigan, Cathy Hall of Florida, Jackie (Sal) Lipari of Michigan, John (Carol) Chipukites of California, and Mark (Ruth) Pigman of Ohio; eight grandchildren, Chase and Rachel Benson, Kelsey McDearmon Ward, Aly McDearmon O’Neal, Keagon McDearmon, Landon Henry, Logan Henry, and Laina Henry Schlett; four great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and dear friends.
Visitation will be May 9, 2023, at Matherly-Davis Funeral Home (402 E Broadway St. Cushing, OK 74023) from 5-8 pm.
Services will be held at Big Creek Church of the Brethren on May 10, 2023, at 10 am. Burial will follow in the churchyard.
In lieu of flowers, Chip requested donations be made to Big Creek Church of the Brethren, 101 North Brethren Road, Cushing, OK 74023.
