Floyd B. Bitting

Floyd Beverly Bitting (Kipp), 97, passed away May 22, 2023, at the home he grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born September 30, 1925, and was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Hallie (Addison) Bitting. He is survived by his sister, Karen Bitting.

Kipp was drafted into World War II after he graduated from East High School and became a paratrooper in the Eleventh Airborne Division, fought in the Philippine Islands, and was later stationed in Japan.

He returned to Des Moines after the war and worked at the Strand and Iowa Theaters as a projectionist. He was a member of Sunshine Open Bible Church in his youth.

In 1955, Kipp moved to Venice, California where he continued to work in theaters and eventually opened Trim and Prim Dog Grooming. Many of Hollywood’s notable stars such as Joan Crawford and Bruce Bennett, among others, were clients.

During his 78 years as a resident in the Hollywood community, Kipp also was a competitive square dancer and ballroom dancer. At the age of 81, he and his dance partner, Lucille Patterson, were featured on one of Simon Cowell’s early America’s Got Talent television productions.

When his health declined, Kipp returned to Des Moines to live with his sister, Karen, until his death. He is survived by many 2nd and 3rd cousins living in Des Moines and Kansas City.

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