Lonny "Ripp" Jay Ripplinger

Lonny Jay “Ripp” Ripplinger, age 86, of Warren, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Heritage Pointe of Warren.  Lonny was born on August 23, 1939, in Ashland, WI, to the late Elmer and Darlene (Churchhill) Ripplinger.  He married Norma Urschel on September 19, 1959, and she survives and resides in Warren.

Lonny was a 1959 graduate of Andrews High School. He worked for International Harvester for 33 years. He attended Bippus Calvary United Methodist Church.

Lonny enjoyed spending time outdoors and had a lifelong love of adventure. He was an active member of the Desert Gold Diggers Club in Tucson, Arizona, where he pursued his passion for gold prospecting throughout southern Arizona. He also enjoyed four-wheeling in the mountains, overnight camping trips in the desert with the club, and even traveled to Alaska in search of gold.

In his younger years, Lonny loved racing jalopies at the tracks in Warsaw and Andrews, where he enjoyed the excitement and camaraderie of the sport.

Lonny also found great joy in fishing and loved feeding the fish at the Heritage Pointe Villa ponds. One of his favorite pastimes was driving his golf cart around Warren, often taking his 102-year-old neighbor, Howard, on memorable adventures throughout the community. He also enjoyed many afternoons playing pool with friends at Heritage Pointe, where his friendly spirit and sense of humor made him a favorite companion.

Along with his wife, Norma, he is survived by one son, David (Rhonda) Ripplinger, Roann, IN; two brothers, Rhett (Marsha) Ripplinger, Charlottesville, VA, Roy (Barbara) Hamer, Leesburg, IN; 4 grandsons, David, Derek, Brody, Braden; 6 great-grandchildren, Kaydance, David III, Braxton, Maddox, Reece, and Axle.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by one son, Danny Ripplinger; one grandson, Brock Ripplinger; and two sisters, Barbara Bowers and Bonnie Hall.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Applegate Chapel at the Heritage Pointe of Warren, followed by the 12 p.m. Memorial Service.

A private burial will be at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Marion, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to New Life Meal Ministry in care of McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN, 46750.

McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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