Rip Shrout, 82, of Port Charlotte, Fla., quietly passed away Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, after a brief illness.

Rip was well-known in the El Jobean/Gulf Cove, Fla., communities as the “man in the yellow jeep.” Twice a year, Gulf Cove UMC has a barn sale, and Rip most always took his Jeep and trailer to pick up donated items. Always willing to lend a hand, he was an active participant of Gulf Cove UMC, serving in various capacities in the church through the years. Rip had just retired from being President of the El Jobean Water Association for the past eight years. He was also a member of the American Legion, having served in the Korean War, in the U.S. Army.

Rip and his wife of 26 years, Jeanne, moved to the El Jobean area in 1996 after traveling for several years. Working at the church, golfing, traveling, participating in game nights, and spending time with his family and friends were his favorite pastimes. Teasing the ones he loved delighted him. If there was mischief afoot, Rip could usually be found in the middle, if not having been the instigator. He loved life to the fullest.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at Gulf Cove United Methodist Church, 1100 McCall Road, Port Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gulf Cove United Methodist Church for the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Rip had been an active study participant for nearly 10 years. You may share a memory and express condolences to the family at www.englewoodfh.com.

Arrangements are by Englewood Community Funeral Home Inc.