Tom Hippensteele, 87, of Osprey, FL and Vancouver, WA passed away peacefully from complications associated with cancer on Saturday, October 31, 2026 in Asheville, NC.
He was born on June 11, 1939, in Cleveland, Ohio to Sumner Elon Hippensteele and June Elizabeth Nightingale Hippensteele. He was raised in Ashland, Kentucky. After attending Kentucky Military Institute in high school, he graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1961.
Upon graduation, Tom was commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer in the United States Army. His military career included command and staff assignments in the United States, Panama, the Republic of Vietnam (twice), Turkey, Germany, and Morocco. He completed numerous military schools and specialty courses, including Airborne School, the Defense Language Institute, and the Army Command and General Staff College. Additionally, he earned an MBA from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL. His distinguished service was recognized with numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Master Parachutist Badge. Tom retired from the Army with the rank of Major.
After completing his military service, Tom transitioned into the field of information technology, serving in consulting and business management roles at Computer Sciences Corporation. He was an active member of his community, serving as a long-time usher at the Church of the Holy Comforter and St. Margaret of the Desert, and volunteering at Pennywise, the Holy Comforter thrift shop. Tom also contributed as a member of the board of directors of the Freedom Park Pool Association. He was a life member of both the Association of Citadel Men and the Military Officers Association of America.
His marriage to Brenda Joyce Gillette Francisco ended in divorce. His wife of 31 years, Carol Carr Hippensteele, died of cancer in January 2006. Survivors include his wife Audrey Carey of Vancouver, WA and Osprey, FL and children, Heidi Moore (Steve) of Fletcher, NC, Hope Heard (Darrell) of Fairview, NC, and Erich C. Hippensteele and Andrew S. Hippensteele of Alexandria, VA, Robert Carey (Nicole), of Tucson, AR and Willard Carey (Karen) of Washougal, WA and four grandsons. Natalie Carey predeceased him.
In lieu of flowers, Mr. Hippensteele requested that donations be made to The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC, 29409, or to a charity of your choice. He will be interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.