Donald Perry Hipes, 85, of Essex Junction,VT, formerly of Jericho, VT, entered into eternal rest at home on October 7, 2019 surrounded by family. He was born September 24, 1934 and raised in Charmco, WV by his parents, Lewis Adair & Margaret Thomson Hipes. Don graduated Rupert High School, WV in 1952 and Ohio State in 1955 with a degree in Agriculture. He met the love of his life, June Larman of Lynchburg, VA, and they were married on June 30, 1956. Don proudly served in the United States Army in 1957 – 1960 during which time he received special training in Engineering at Ft Belvoir. After serving in the Army he worked for Royster Fertilizer Company, Knoxville, MD. During his 27-year career with the Soil Conservation Service, USDA, his passion for the proper use of natural resources was well known. This career took him and family to five different counties on the east coast. After retirement he worked for the State of Vermont Natural Resource Department in Waterbury for several years. He was a volunteer for the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District and a Master Gardener. As a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Essex Junction, he served in every capacity short of Pastor; though he did preach on several occasions. He is survived by his wife, June Larman Hipes, son Anthony & Judith Cummings Hipes, son Mark & Roberta Plant Hipes, grandsons Lewis Hipes and Logan & Claudia DelAngel Hipes, step-grandson, Eric & Paula Setzer Cummings, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, brother William & Wanda Hipes, sister Gwen Hipes & Ray Kimble and uncle Robert Thomson. Predeceased by infant sister, Lucretia Hipes, sister, Jennye Lee Hipes Hamilton, brother-in-law, Tom Hamilton and sister-in-law, Linda Hipes. Don and June spent as much time as possible with their children and grandchildren. They loved traveling through the years, including SCS Conventions and family vacations. Don was an avid sports fan of Ohio State, New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. He liked playing chess, especially with Lewis and Logan, canasta with whoever would play and family game nights. The family would like to thank all of the medical staff who cared for Don over the past several months. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Don be honored with donations to the following: Grace United Methodist Church, 130 Maple Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452; The American Cancer Society, and/or UVM Extension Master Gardeners Program, UVM Foundation, 411 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401. Calling hours are Friday, October 11 from 4-7PM at the A.W. Rich Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Essex Junction, VT 05452. A Service of Celebration will be held Saturday, October 12, 2:00 PM at Grace UMC.