The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Eric Allen Kipp passed away Dec. 14, 2020 in Chappell, Neb. with longtime girlfriend Lori by his side.

Eric was born May 1, 1971 in Wray to Frank Allen Kipp and Mary (Riggs) Kipp. He was a lifelong resident of the Pleasant Valley Community in Northwest Yuma County. He graduated from Yuma High School in 1989 and furthered his education with two years at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling.

Eric grew up farming and hunting on his parents' farm and developed a love of hunting and raising sheep. He started his sheep flock as an FFA project in high School and continued to expand it for the remainder of his life. Eric never lost his love for the hunt and enjoyed both bow and rifle season while spending time searching for his deer, elk or pheasant, depending on the time of year. He spent many days and hours hunting with friends and family. One of his favorite things to do was to cook up meat from one of his hunting adventures, but would not tell you what it was until you tried it. Rarely did you see him dressed in anything other than his camo hunting clothes or his work clothes.

Eric worked as a Chemical Applicator for his adult life, currently working for Aurora Cooperative. Eric was dedicated to his job and spent the long hours needed to do the job well. He was a well-respected and highly requested spray applicator in the area. He was an active member of the Colorado Young Farmers and even served on several officer teams including a stent as the Colorado State Young Farmers President. He was a member of the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church and served on the council in many different positions and was faithful to put up the cross on Old Baldy for every Easter Sunrise Service. Eric was a great neighbor, friend, community member, and was always ready to help anyone that needed and wanted help.

He is survived by his mother Mary and husband Tom Balding; sister Renee and husband Mike Taylor; niece Kelsey and husband Robert McCall and their son Allen; nephew Kolton Hansen; and his sweetheart of 22 years Lori Turner; as well as Seth Turner, Trissa and husband Matt Webb, Mathew Webb and many family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father Allen Kipp; grandparents Leon and Dorothy Riggs and Frank and Ella Kipp.

Memorial services were held on Dec. 18, 2020 at the Yuma United Methodist Church in Yuma followed by interment at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.