January 7, 1935 – January 6, 2022

Buddy Owen Lippert, 86, of Friendswood, was welcomed into the loving arms of his heavenly Father on January 6, 2022.

Buddy was born on January 7, 1935, in Coldwater Michigan to Metha (Disbrow) and Elmer Lippert. He spent many years as a young boy working on the family farm with his brothers, and even worked at the local cemetery for several summers with his dad. Following graduation from Coldwater High School, he joined the United States Air Force in 1954. He was one of two men in his class to be hand selected to attend the newly established Air Force Academy. And although he ultimately did not attend, he proudly served in the Air Force for four years working as a draftsman.

While stationed at Gray Air Force Base in Killeen, Texas, Buddy met the love of his life – Virginia Grogan – a student at Mary Hardin Baylor University, and a love story quickly began. Their brief courtship led to a beautiful wedding in Alto, Texas, on October 5, 1957. Four years later, Buddy graduated from Indiana Tech University with a degree in electrical engineering…and a lifetime of love and adventure began.

He launched his remarkable career with a job at Boeing as an instrumentation engineer – working on minuteman missiles, jet-powered boats and the Air Force Dyna-Soar program. In 1965, accepting a job with Lockheed would be a life-changing decision. After stints in Pasadena, Texas, and Slidell, La., a transfer led them to Friendswood in 1973. Buddy’s knowledge and talent – coupled with his dynamic people skills – were the foundation of an outstanding, 30-year career with Lockheed. He designed and integrated new payloads for the Space Shuttle during an exciting period of the space industry. He was instrumental in writing proposals for NASA contracts, and enjoyed leading countless projects and being part of an elite management team. He traveled to Princeton, Michigan State, and Stanford for ongoing management training, and thoroughly enjoyed his annual recruiting trips to Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and other schools – where he loved meeting and hiring new, young engineers. Buddy was highly respected in his position and ultimately served as the Vice President of Science for Lockheed for many years. His group of 300 employees supported four NASA divisions – working on the IMAX camera, food preparation systems and equipment, exercise machines and human factors. In 1982, Buddy was honored with the distinguished NASA Public Service Award for his outstanding achievements in and contributions to the Space Shuttle program.

Buddy and Ginger built a rich, wonderful life in Friendswood as they raised their family. As longtime members of First Baptist Church, Buddy spent many years in the church choir, taught Sunday School, led children’s choirs, sang in a men’s group, served as a Deacon and went on mission trips. He also coached little league t-ball and basketball, and never missed his kids’ school activities or sporting events. He loved this unique community, and celebrating holidays over the years with the many friends they cherished.

Buddy and Ginger truly enjoyed life after they retired. They joined the Friendswood Hanger Squares and spent many years square dancing and making numerous great friends through an activity they both loved. They discovered a passion for cruising and traveled the world with wonderful friends – seeing Alaska, Tahiti, the Hawaiian Islands, Panama, Jamaica, and many other beautiful places. They purchased a motor home as well, and enjoyed traveling the roads – even joining the Sagemont RV Club.

He always made time to enjoy life, have fun, and learn new things. He was a lifetime golfer, loved bowling, softball, gardening, watching sports, photography (he was rarely without a camera in his hand), music, and many outdoor activities. He played the autoharp, taught himself how to needlepoint and made many extraordinary pieces, learned to quilt, and spent several years creating beautiful woodworking art. He loved being a Grandpa, teaching his grandkids everything he knew, and cheering them on in their many activities as they grew up. Most importantly, Buddy was truly a loving, devoted husband to Ginger.

For the past 20 years, his favorite relaxation spot has been “The Ranch” – family property in Wallis, Texas. Feeding cows, mowing, fishing, designing buildings, fixing things, playing with his grandchildren, and sharing it with friends brought him so much joy. He cherished every minute of time there.

Buddy experienced a decline in health over the last several years, but you would rarely find him without a smile on his face and joy in his heart. We know his zest for life was because of his steadfast faith in Jesus. He loved his Lord and Savior, and we rejoice knowing his body is restored to its full and perfect glory.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Virginia; son Michael and daughter Teresa Ehrman; and son-in-law Jamie Ehrman. He was the very proud Grandpa of Jack, Ally, Colton and Chandler Ehrman. He is also survived by his two brothers, Rolland “Bucky” and James “Jim” Lippert, as well as numerous cousins, and nieces and nephews from Michigan and East Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Virginia.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas, (281)992-7200, with Rev. Chuck McComb officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department and EMS.

Condolences may be sent to the Lippert family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.