Don Ollie Tipton, age 93, of Townsend, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, April 13, 2025.  He was a veteran of the US Army and worked for the National Park Service in the Smoky Mountains as well as being a constable for the Townsend Police Department but retired from Alcoa Aluminum Company.  Don also enjoyed square dance calling and line dancing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Hazel R. Tipton; sister, Nila Buchanan; and brothers, Lowell Yates, Lee Yates, and Paul Tipton.

Don is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lena Cope Tipton; children, Don W. Tipton and Debbie Tipton; grandchildren, Jay (Jana) Tipton, Chesney (Allen) Davis; great-grandchildren, Abel, Arliss, Ansley, and Aubrey; brother, Howard Yates; and several nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Faye Hembree, Tammy Tipton, Perry and Marly Alonzo and Gentiva Hospice.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Bethel Cemetery, Rev. Fate Green, Rev. Ronnie Hepperly, and Rev. Michael McGrath officiating.  Arrangements are with Miller Funeral Home, Maryville.