Stephen M. Fippen Obituary – The Indianapolis Star

Stephen Michael Fippen was born on December 22, 1972, at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana. He grew up in the town of Plainfield, Indiana and graduated in 1991 from Plainfield High School with Academic Honors. Steve earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 394 before joining the Army National Guard in his Senior year of High School in 1990. He has had a remarkable career of 33 years of service in the Army and 25 years in Law enforcement.

He quickly learned to take advantage of every opportunity available to him which would lead to a position of high performance. Steve was a leader and was never afraid of hard work or a challenge. It was important to him to seek progress from all his hard work and efforts. He always had an incentive to do better and achieve more. He had no tolerance for lack of accountability.

His academic career was rigorous, beginning as a student at Purdue University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology in 1998. He then attended the Indianapolis Police Department Law Enforcement Academy in 1998 where he received accreditation as a law enforcement officer. He furthered his studies earning an MBA in 2012 from Oakland City University in Business, Finance and Administration.

Steve’s military career spanned several decades. He was mobilized multiple times serving oversees in Afghanistan and Iraq both as a Commander and Intelligence officer. He received the Bronz Star for his actions while on duty with his unit. During his time in service, he was posted for many assignments including; Infantry with the Army National Guard from June 1990 to June 2014, Mobilization Officer at Camp Atterbury Indiana from August 2009 to August 2013, ILE Instructor at U.S. Army CGSOC from June 2014 to October 2018, Operations Officer Fort Sheridan Illinois from April 2018 to April 2019, Commander DET 3 at 2100 Military Intelligence Group Wright Patterson Air Force Base May 2019 to May 2021, CUOPS command Post Chief at the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Fort Eustis Virginia from May 2021 to May 2023.

During his time in the Military Steve was distinguished in his service both in merit and in training. He graduated from the U.S Army Command and General Staff College in 2014. He was also the instructor at the Command and General Staff College that same year. Steve earned a Six Sigma Green Belt and completed several courses with the U.S. Army including Small Group Instructor course in 2015, Army Battalion Commander course in 2019 and Intelligence Commander course in 2021.

Steve’s final and most current assignment was as the Operations Command Post Chief (TRADOC) in Newport News, Virgina. Under this assignment Steve would enjoy operations and meetings at the Pentagon working with the top leaders in our military. Steve was proud to serve in this role, leaving his career as a Colonel. He was promoted to this rank after a lifetime of service demonstrating to his superiors his quality of work, his intelligence and his devotion to duty at the highest level. In keeping with his lifetime of distinguished service in the United States Armed Forces, Stephen Michael Fippen will receive the Legion of Merit on December 20th, 2023.

Steve was also a member of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. During his career with IMPD, he served as detective from March 1998 to October 2014. He attended the IMPD Leadership academy in 2014. He also served as a supervisor with the department from March 1998 to May 2023. He led the event response team for IMPD and served in various tactical and operational roles throughout his time with the department.

Steve loved a good time and had many friends. He had great concern for anyone in need and would help anytime for a great cause. His focus was to seek justice for the right reasons. He was very adept in logistics, which made him valuable in many aspects of his career.

He was a man of good faith and Christianity, honorable, charitable, dependable (beyond expectation). He was devoted to his wife, Erica and an exceptional father to daughter, Emily and son, Evan. He enjoyed family life and was overly fond of their three dogs Harley, Chloe, and Tillie. He and Erica enjoyed traveling, especially cruises and spending time visiting friends near and far away.

Steve enjoyed his time in service and would strive to teach and mentor the next generation of leadership. He had a zest for life and his enthusiasm for an idea or adventure will sorely be missed. He was always open to a new idea and loved to help others. He was not judgmental and would strive to be fair and honest. He was a great patriot and humanitarian.

Our family has lost a wonderful son, father, husband, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and cousin. Steve made us proud. He had a remarkable career both in Law Enforcement and as a Colonel in the U.S. Army National Reserve. He will always remain in our hearts, never to be forgotten. May he rest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Fippen Family extends our gratitude to all the remarkable doctors and nurses who were very involved with the care of Stephen Fippen during his battle with bone marrow cancer. He received excellent care, and we are so grateful for the expertise and skilled care made available to him. Despite every effort to save his life, having received the final Catholic sacrament, and with family by his side, he succumbed to cancer on December 7, 2023.

He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Hubert Fippen and leaves behind: wife Erica Coatney, daughter, Emily Fippen, son, Evan Fippen, mother Roberta Fippen, brother, Charles Patrick Fippen, sister-in-law, Lora Stacy Fippen, niece Ava and two nephews, Ethan and Preston; Uncle Glen Fippen (wife Loretta), Kathy Fippen, Phyllis Ingram (George) and several cousins.

A Memorial visitation for Stephen will be held Wednesday, December 20, 2023, from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM at Community Church of Greenwood, 1477 W. Main Street, Greenwood, IN 46142.

For those unable to attend the funeral, all are encouraged to spend a quiet moment reflecting on his life and legacy on this day.

If desired, flowers can be sent to the Community Christian Church. Alternatively, donations can be made to one of his favorite charities. Funds can be remitted to the Love Pet Project and the Boy Scouts of America as follows: The Love Pet Project, 11818 Sycamore St., Zionsville IN 46077 (thelovepetproject.wordpress.com) and Crossroads of America Council, 7125 Fall Creek Road North, Indianapolis IN 46256, 317-813-7125 (crossroadsbsa.org).