Paul "Tom" Gipson of Lafayette and formerly of Delphi passed away at 7:59 a.m. on Tues, Nov. 6, 2012 at St. Elizabeth East in Lafayette.

Tom was born to the late Earl and Rosella (Trapp) Gipson on April 26, 1932 in Lafayette. He attended schools in Delphi.

He served as a PFC in the Army during the Korean Campaign from 1950-1953. He spent 2 and ½ years as a POW. He received the following medals: Prisoner of War Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Medal.

He married Elsie Simmons in Delphi and she preceded him in 1997.

He was a tube saw operator at Alcoa for over 21 years.

He was a lifetime member of the VFW 1154 and American Legion 492.

Tom enjoyed coin collecting and was an avid reader of western novels.

He is survived by his companion of 14 years, Betty Fife, of Lafayette; sons: Randall Dwight Gipson (Cheri) of Frankfort and Paul Thomas Gipson, Jr. of Washington State and daughter, Debra Chloe Chrisman (Andy) of Alabama; Betty's Children: Patricia Henry (Jim) and Linda Hancock ( Ron) both of Lafayette and Joe Fife (Marian) of Rossville; 7 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

He was preceded by his wife, 2 brothers, and 3 sisters.

Viewing will be on Friday, November 9, 2012 from 11:00 until the 1:00 p.m. service at Davidson Funeral Home, Delphi with Pastor Bruce Mowery officiating. Full military rites will be conducted by the American Legion 492 and VFW 1154.

Burial will be in Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the donor's charity of choice .

Online Condolences: www.davidsonfh.com.