Albert Francis Rippey, 94, of Arcola, died at 1:39 AM Saturday, August 1, 2009 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, August 7, 2009 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Arcola, with Rev. Barry Harmon officiating. A Wake Vigil will be held at 4:30 PM and visitation from 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday at Shrader Funeral Home, 204 N. Locust Street, Arcola. Burial will be in the Arcola Cemetery.

Mr. Rippey was born April 1, 1915 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Earl Edwin and Luella May Heim Rippey. He married Louella Pullen on July 24, 1936; she preceded him in death on Oct. 7, 1988. He married Virginia Sue Henry on Oct. 28, 1989 and she preceded him in death on February 5, 2006.

Survivors include daughter, Alice Rippey of Arcola; son, Paul Rippey and wife Shirley; and daughter, Susan Kay Patridge all of Arcola; 3 sisters, Helen Lilly of Champaign; Bessie Hannigan and Louise Agre of Land O Lakes, Florida; 9 grandchildren, Therese Tolliver and husband Tom of Carver, Minnesota; Jodi Livingston and husband Jerry of Arcola; Lisa Stewart and husband Tom of Mattoon; Scott Rippey of Arcola; Eric Patridge of Effingham; Michael Patridge of Champaign; Angela Ware and husband Matthew of St. Joseph; Megan Clark and husband Derrick of Decatur; Sarah Patridge of Arcola; 14 great grandchildren; and 8 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, 1 great granddaughter, 1 great great grandson, 4 sisters, and 3 brothers, and 1 son-in-law.

Mr. Rippey was the 4th of 11 children so he dropped out of school after the 6th grade in order to work and help his family. He worked many farm jobs; did painting and wallpapering; general handyman; repairman; door-to-door salesman; broom maker and eventually worked as a foreman for the Libman Broom Co. for 35 years. In the 1950's, Albert's passion was collecting and selling coins so he and his wife, Louella, formed the AL-LOU Coin Company and traveled the coin-show circuit buying and selling coins. He continued to do so until he was 92 years old.

He was an Arcola Township Trustee for 16 years and was on the Arcola Township Cemetery Board. After retiring, he drove an ambulance for Shrader Ambulance Service for 9 years and then was the Host for the Arcola Township Comfort Station for more than 10 years.

Mr. Rippey was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and a life-time member of the Knights of Columbus. He spent over 45 years counseling people with drug and alcohol illnesses.

Memorials are suggested to St. John's Catholic Church Renovation Fund or donor's choice.

Condolences to the family may be sent to www.hilligossshraderfh.com.