W.K., Cindy and family, just learned of John’s passing and I’m so sorry for your loss.

This is most of what I spoke at dad’s funeral if you missed it: Thank you all for coming here today. It means so much to me, my mom and my siblings. My Dad. You were gentle. Kind. Compassionate. You were not harsh with us. You were always concerned with our faith in Jesus. You were quick to ask for forgiveness. You were a humble, simple man. You had no grand ideas about yourself. You simply wanted to serve Jesus with your life. You passed your faith to me. Well done man of God. When I messed up the Lung Fun Run you found me and lovingly told me I was forgiven. You baptized me. Appalachian Christian Service Camp swimming pool. You helped me profess my new trust in Jesus alone. When I messed up in South Africa you were quick to tell me that you loved me because Jesus first loved you. You were there to call out my lack of faith. You held me accountable. And encouraged me into a real relationship with Jesus. You gave me my first journal. You taught me to study the Bible by your own study. All I need is a Bible. Concordance. Topical. Journal. Pen. Light. And of course a super large Kleenex box. Drawings. Secret codes for living in Arabia. Tshirts. ALL pointing back to Jesus and His Word. Culver. CQ. “Seek You.” Aaron how’s CQ? Are you seeking Jesus first? All other things will be added into you if you just seek Him. You were quick to listen. Slow to speak. Not excitable. Not given to much wine. A true Biblical elder. You clearly and consistently loved our mom, your wife. Daily for over 54 years to be exact. Thank you. You prayed. Man you prayed long prayers. You loved directing all attention to Jesus. You were a hand squeezer. You cried. Your gentle spirit. You wanted those you loved most just to know Him, The Only God of the Universe. The One Year Bible. You encouraged us all to JUST READ The Book…and SEE what happens. I know now. Miracles! The Otherside. That magazine we used to get in the mail. Now you are on the Otherside. You introduced me to music(that amazing record player in the living room), photography(sooo many slides), drawing(soooo many pens and markers and ink), calligraphy(penmanship and fonts), ministry to youth(college groups in TN when you’d play Jesus for retreats, Summit, R.O.C.K.), and I’ll never forget your Maranatha & Praise Strings 4 Slideshows at church on Wednesday evenings. You introduced me to men and women of God from across the globe. Every Sunday after church there was always someone from another country that we’d have over for lunch to sit around our table and tell of places far far away and God’s awesomeness at work in their lives and their countries. Every tribe. Every nation. Every color. Every language. You taught me all people were beautiful, created in God’s image, valuable, and so full of worth. Then you wanted to show us this big world Jesus created for us to enjoy. “Kids we’re moving to Saudi Arabia!” And everyone thought you were crazy and thought we should be afraid. And then the Gulf War was certainly a time that many said we should be afraid. I remember watching scuds fall on Dhahran on CNN and calling you from Culver and asking why you were staying in there. And you said I trust Jesus is going to take care of me. No need to fear Aaron. Dad, you never lived your life in fear. I’m glad you taught me to live Beyond Fear. You ran. Running. Your life’s trademark. It’s what you did. You didn’t drink. You ran. You didn’t watch football. You ran. You didn’t go out. You ran. You didn’t play golf. You ran. I used to ride my bike with you to the Laurels and back when you ran. And then when I got old enough I ran with you. You taught me how to run while I lived in Phoenix. You ran a marathon in every state of the United States of America, Holland, Saudi, and Greece. I had the pleasure of running lots of races and three marathons with you; Big Sur, Valley of the Sun, and Route 66. Who here has either run with my dad or watched him run? Well dad, you never ran ahead. You never left me behind. You stayed with me. You ran. And you loved it, but not as much as you loved the company of your sons or others you would meet along the course. You loved talking as you ran. You loved talking especially about Jesus as you ran. You loved letting everyone know you ran for His Glory not your own. You never won any foot races, but you certainly won the eternal race and you ran it well. You will receive your prize in heaven. And I’ll never forget Mt Pisgah and running down the trail, waiting for you to come, and finally seeing your bearded face coming out of the woods. And the smile you gave me. My daddy made it! Truly daddy you’ve made it! Dad, I WILL see you again when the dead in Christ rise first and we are all caught up in the air to meet Jesus face to face. I look forward to that day with great anticipation. I’m gonna miss you a lot until that day. I love you Pop. See you THERE or in the AIR… Lastly I’ve thought and prayed for many days of what my dad would have liked me to say to all of you here today. Thank you for coming This is the Good News my dad lived by. Consider this a Dhahran Summit Youth Ministry mini talk: Oxygen was my dad’s profession. Running was my dad’s pleasure. Jesus was his passion. OXYGEN: You and I cannot live without oxygen for more than a few minutes. Have you ever tried? In the beginning it seems like no problem. I can do this. But then it gets uncomfortable. Then it’s miserable. Then there is a state of numbing out. Almost euphoric. Then you’re dead. You can live without oxygen for a moment, but you will die, guaranteed. In the same way, You and I can live without Jesus, we can say we got this, we may even have good moments, but there is something always gnawing at us that something isn’t right. And truly living without Jesus will end in spiritual death, guaranteed. Please don’t try to live without oxygen. Please don’t try to live without Jesus. Isaiah‬ ‭45:24‬a “The Lord is the source of all my righteousness and strength.” RUNNING: There is one race in this life. Either you are on the course moving towards the finish line for the prize or you are disqualified. The diversity of humans on this planet is amazing. (Jesus is an Awesome Creator!) But spiritually there are only two types of people. Those that are in the race and those that are not. My dad would say BE IN THE RACE! Don’t have a shirt to wear? Don’t worry he’s got extra! 2 Timothy‬ ‭4:6-8‬ ‭NLT The apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy and I can hear my dad reading this to me beyond the grave: My son…“As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near[here]. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me�"the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of HIS return. And the prize is not just for me but for ALL who eagerly look forward to his[Jesus] appearing.” ‭‭‬‬ And that brings me to my final point…my Dad’s passion. JESUS! My dad’s Creator. My dad’s Redeemer. My dad’s God. Here’s the Good News in a nutshell: Jesus made you and me be this crazy cool cosmos to be in relationship with us. But Houston “We have a problem.” Our hearts are sinful. None of us in righteous. Nope not one. Not my dad. Not me. Not you. Here’s the Awesome News: Jesus deeply loves you and me so much that he came to earth, lived a perfect life, died on a cross to pay for our sin, rose from the grave to show he has power over death. And now prepares a home for us in heaven. Here’s the rub: Jesus freely offers salvation and an abundant life for ANYONE who would put their faith in Him alone. But we have to make that choice in our heart and our head and GET IN THE RACE OF TRUE LIFE! Jesus is coming back soon to take to heaven ALL the people who have BELIEVED in Him by FAITH. READ DAD’S RUNNER ID BRACELET!

John was a unique and gifted individual in so many ways, but what I will most remember about him was his gentle, gracious, kind-hearted spirit. He exuded that from the very core of his person. He was a lover of Christ, his family, the church, and his friends, and I was so very blessed to know him (since our days of studying Greek together at Emmanuel). He has now been reunited with his beloved sister Diana, who also was a sweet, sweet spirit and a beautiful Christian person. Thanks be to God for John's life, and for Diana's. Our prayers continue for the whole Lippard clan.

Cindy and family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We grieve with you, but also rejoice with you in the hope that you have. Until you are reunited, we pray that precious, happy memories will bring all of you joy. Ron & Michelle

John played a role in my walk with Jesus as one of my youth group leaders at BCCC. He was always funny. I will never forget the time we went to Jekyll island as a youth group and I was in John’s van ( I think it was a vw van). From there we went toDisney. Looking back here and Cindy probably wanted to scream with 6 teenagers in that van if not more. Thank you John for giving me and others a positive role model as well as awesome memories from my youth group.

I’m sending my kindest regards to you, Cindy, and your whole family at this time. I so enjoyed knowing John as a kid growing up in Speedway, playing sports and doing musical theater together, seeing him laughing at the wheel of his black jalopy. He is one of the kindest and friendliest people I’ve known. I will never forget John and his radiant smile! Hugs all around…

Cindy and Family �" I am so sorry for your loss. John was a truly wonderful man, husband, father and friend. He had an easy smile and good-natured manner. I know you will miss him terribly, but also know that you have so many special memories that you will keep forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Annette

Cindy and family, Our thoughts are with you - praying for your comfort and peace from our loving Heavenly Father. No words on this earth could adequately express what is in our hearts for you. We love you in the Lord and thank Him for John’s wonderful life lived for the glory of the One who made him. Rest in God’s promises and the love and hugs of all those who love you.

Cindy, thinking of you all during this time. As time gets shorter for all of us to go home, I am sure John would have quoted ‘to live is Christ and to die is gain.’ Obviously you both played an important part in my spiritual life growing up and I always remember those as the best days of my life. Love you all and remember you during this time.

I knew John since we where 15 years old growing up in Speedway. Cindy and family, you where so lucky to have him to guide your lives. He perhaps, was the most gentle man I have ever knew.

Oh Cindy, I am so sorry for your loss. John was a very good man, liked by everyone who knew him. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Cindy and each of your wonderful family, Our hearts ache and grieve for your loss of John on this earth, but also rejoice with you in knowing that he is with Jesus, his Lord and Savior, and that you will all be with him one day. You are and will remain in our prayers, trusting that our Lord is with you, loving you and comforting you and carrying you through this pain and sorrow. Isaiah 57:1, 2 says in part: "Merciful men are taken away, While no one considers that the righteous is taken away from evil." We love you all and cherish the memories of our times with you. Bless you, Randi and Blaine

Cindy �" and all the family �" I was devastated to hear of John's passing. I'll always remember the lovingkindness you both showed to everyone. Cindy, you are, and will continue to be, in my prayers for comfort, peace, provision and protection. Please take care of yourself, dear friend.

Cindy and the Lippard Family, You all have been on our minds and in our prayers since we heard about John. It still seems very surreal as I’m sure it does to all of you. He left you all way too early and he will missed by all who knew him. Our love and prayers to all of you. Gary and JoAnn Hermon

Please accept my sympathy in the loss of your life partner. You know you will see him again, but right now is painful. I'm so sorry.

My heart goes out to my sister Cindy and all the family’. Love you, Judy

John and I were in the same class at Speedway, and, because our names were close to each other in the alphabet, we often sat next to each other. He was a wonderful person and friend at Speedway. I never heard anyone say anything bad about him - the reason, there was nothing bad to say. He and Cindy shared a marvelous and loving relationship, the likes of which you do not often see. He and Cindy shared a strong faith, and I pray that faith sustains her and the whole family. RIP dear friend, and God Bless You, Cindy.

Dearest Cindy and children, nothing surprises me anymore however this news certainly did. I am so sorry that you all have to be without, for a while. I know what a pleasure he was to all who knew and love him. When I shared this news with Kenda and Steve they were broken hearted as we all are. Just know that in the following days and weeks and months that you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love Ken,Julie and family

Dear family, I am ever so sorry for your loss. I knew John & Cindy & the children, many years ago when I came from Greece to be a student in US. Later on I saw them again when John came to run the Athens Marathon and they came to visit me in Corfu. John was a special person, this picture of him with this beautiful smile coming from Soudy Arabia it is very characteristic of him and I always remember this. I am very blessed to have known them as they have touched my life in many different ways . I pray that one day we will all meet again at our heavenly father's home. My love to you all Miltiades

I am so sorry for your loss. John was an amazing man of God. Y’all, with a friendly smile and hello, always made my day better at the park.

Sending our Sympathy to Cindy and the family! We will be praying for all of you! So glad we alll got to meet and work together in 2020.

My Dad. You were gentle. Kind. Compassionate. You were not harsh with us. You were always concerned with our faith in Jesus. You were quick to ask for forgiveness. You were a humble, simple man. You had no grand ideas about yourself. You simply wanted to serve Jesus with your life. You passed your faith to me. Well done man of God. When I messed up the Lung Fun Run you found me and lovingly told me I was forgiven. You baptized me. Appalachian Christian Service Camp pool. You helped me profess my new trust in Jesus alone. When I messed up in South Africa you were quick to tell me that you loved me because Jesus first loved you. You were there to call out my lack of faith. You held me accountable. And encouraged me into a real relationship with Jesus. You gave me my first journal. You taught me to study the Bible by your own study. All I need is a Bible. Concordance. Topical. Journal. Pen. Light. And of course a super large Kleenex box. Drawings. Secret codes for living in Arabia. Tshirts. ALL pointing back to Jesus and His Word. Culver. CQ. “Seek You.” Aaron how’s CQ? Are you seeking Jesus first? All other things will be added into you if you just seek Him. You were quick to listen. Slow to speak. Not excitable. Not given to much wine. A true Biblical elder. You clearly and consistently loved our mom, your wife. Daily for 54 years to be exact. You prayed. Man you prayed long prayers. You loved directing all attention to Jesus. You were a hand squeezer. You cried. Your gentle spirit. You wanted those you loved most just to know Him, The Only God of the Universe. The One Year Bible. You encouraged us all to JUST READ The Book…and SEE what happens. I know now. Miracles! The Otherside. That magazine we used to get in the mail. Now you are on the Otherside. You introduced me to music(that amazing record player in the living room), photography(sooo many slides), drawing(soooo many pens and markers and ink), calligraphy(penmanship and fonts), ministry to youth(college groups in TN when you’d play Jesus for retreats, Summit, R.O.C.K.), and I’ll never forget your Maranatha & Praise Strings Slideshows at Grandview church on Wednesday evenings. You introduced me to men and women of God from across the globe. Every Sunday after church there was always someone from another country that we’d have over for lunch to sit around our table and tell of places far far away and God’s awesomeness at work in their lives and their countries. Every tribe. Every nation. Every color. Every language. You taught me all people were beautiful, created in God’s image, valuable, and so full of worth. You ran. Running. Your life’s trademark. It’s what you did. You didn’t drink. You ran. You didn’t watch football. You ran. You didn’t go out. You ran. You didn’t play golf. You ran. I used to ride my bike with you to the Laurels and back when you ran. And then when I got old enough I ran with you. You taught me to run while I lived in Phoenix. You ran a marathon in every state of the United States of America. I had the pleasure of running three marathons with you. And you never ran ahead. You never left me behind. You stayed with me. You ran. And you loved it, but not as much as you loved the company of your sons or others you would meet along the course. You loved talking as you ran. You loved talking especially about Jesus as you ran. You loved letting everyone know you ran for His Glory not your own. You never won any foot races, but you certainly won the eternal race and you ran it well. You will receive your prize in heaven. Dad, I WILL see you again when the dead in Christ rise first and we are all caught up in the air to meet Jesus face to face. I look forward to that day with great anticipation. I’m gonna miss you a lot until that day. I love you Pop. See you THERE or in the AIR…

Sincere condolences from my family. Love to all of you!