David Dean Phipps, 68, passed away on March 11, 2016, in care at Massachusetts General hospital in Boston after battling cancer. David was born in Cherokee on October 25, 1947 to Paul and Marian (Hulett) Phipps. David attended college at Wayne State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education. He taught high school for two years in Sutherland before returning to his childhood home to begin farming. In 1976, he married Rebecca Kronlokken. They had two children, Andrew and Susannah. David continued on to serve in several local and county government positions, while also pursuing his love of farming. After retirement and the passing of his wife, David enjoyed traveling.  In 2015, he became engaged to Claudia Martin Ellis. David is preceeded in death by his wife, Rebecca (Kronlokken) Phipps, his father Paul Phipps, his mother Marian (Hulett) Phipps, and brother, Dennis Phipps. He is survived by his son, Andrew Phipps; daughter, Susannah (Marcus) Matousek; granddaughters, Abigail and Katelyn Matousek; and fiancee, Claudia Martin Ellis. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Hope for Haiti.