DALLAS, Nov. 26, 1963 (UPI) - Little Curtis Ray Tippit, 5, looked with eyes big as saucers at the cameras, policemen and newsmen yesterday and tried hard to understand.
He only knew that his father was gone.
His father, J.D. Tippit, 39, was shot down in cold blood by the same man who was accused of killing President Kennedy.
Mrs. Marie Tippit, 39, and the other children, Brenda Kay, 10, and Allen, 14, started straight ahead at the casket containing Tippet's body.
Allen tried hard not to cry, biting his lips and blinking his already tear-swollen eyes. Brenda and her mother wept.
Pastor C.D. Tipps Jr. of the Beckley Hills Baptist Church quoted from First Thessalonians, the same book of the Bible quoted from by Richard Cardinal Cushing at the funeral mass of the president in Washington.
The pastor said:
"He was doing his duty when he was taken by the lethal bullet of a poor, confused, misguided, ungodly assassin."
"Human words are futile."
After the service, three dozen roses spread on top of the casket were removed and the lid was opened. More than 1,000 of Tippit's brother officers filed by to say goodbye.
An occasional tear could be seen on the grim, set faces of some.
Then the mourners filed slowly out of the church for the one-block trip to Laurel Land Cemetery. Six officers carried the casket between an honor guard of police.
Mrs. Tippit walked haltingly behind the casket. Her knees buckled, but she caught herself and was supported by two officers.
At graveside, it was too much for her. As the final prayer was recited, officers led her away.
Dallas police have no insurance and are not covered by Social Security, but the police department retirement fund will pay Mrs. Tippit a $225 per month widow's pension.
Tippit's salary was $490 a month.
Contributions began to pour into the police department. Several radio stations and newspapers set up collections.
Capt. Glen King of the police department said $1,500 has been received there and another $15,000 promised by various organizations and individuals.
The slain officer was honored by being the first hero ever buried in the memorial plot at Laurel Land, set aside a year ago for persons who gave their lives in community service.
There was also talk of a posthumous award or medal for Tippit.
Lt. George Butler, president of the association, said "if that man (Oswald) had escaped, there is no telling what might have happened in Dallas."
