Gunnar Whipp

With his eye on the goal and moving at full throttle pace, our beloved son, brother, cousin, grandson, nephew, uncle and kind-hearted friend, Gunnar Franklin Whipp, crossed heaven's goal line on Tuesday, September 8, 2015. While only with us for 20 short years, Gunnar will always be remembered for his funny wit, his caring heart, and his non-judgmental love to all those that were fortunate to know him.

Gunnar was born on April 4, 1995 at Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Gunnar had a passion for the sports, especially football! At the young age of 12, he pitched three no-hitters (including two perfect games), and was also an all-star with the South Mountain Little League. He also played baseball with the South Mountain Senior League, and Pony and Colt leagues. Gunnar was nicknamed "Firecracker" for his style of play while a member of the football team. He played football all four years at BHS and earned the honors of the All County and All-M.V.A.L. He also played all four years on the Warrior baseball team. Gunnar reached All-star status at every level.

A 2013 honors graduate of Boonsboro High School, he was an AP student. His academics were important to him to further his future goals.

Gunnar was a loyal friend to anyone who took the time to know him. With all of his accomplishments in sports and academics, Gunnar kept his life goals simple. He had a deep love for his family and they will always cherish the time they had together. He always had a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and a beautiful smile to brighten one's day!

He is survived by his mother, Bonnie Lou (Knight) Whipp and fiance' Philip Garvey of Keedysville; his father, Merle "Butch" F. Whipp, Jr. also of Keedysville; two sisters, Jade Ryan Whipp of Keedysville, and Charlotte Blair Whipp of Hagerstown; and brother, Bradley Allen Whipp and wife Celia of Williamsport; three nephews, Mason Hughes, Tanner Whipp, and Ryan Whipp; maternal grandmother, Vivian Knight of Keedysville; paternal grandmother, Joyce Hanslik of Martinsburg; maternal great-grandmother, Gwendolyn Nick of Keedysville;  aunts, Connie McDermott and husband John, Sherri Knight, Terri Decker and husband Scott, Kerri Barr, Dawn Lowery and husband Wayne, and Tonja Ryan and husband Steven;  uncles, Jair Barr and Jeff Whipp; great aunts, Wanda Knight and husband Rand, Bessie Miller and husband Allen, Betty Snyder and husband Dallas; great uncles, George Messner and wife Victoria, Clint Messner and wife Sonie, Richard Whipp and wife Kay, and David Whipp and wife Caroline; and eight cousins, Brooks, Jack, McKenzie, Braxton, Buchanan, Brodric, Sarah, and Kristin.  He will also be missed by his friends Al Thomas, Steven Dick and Sam Angle, his loving dog Cali, and many other friends, teammates, and members of the "Warrior Nation."

Gunnar will join together in heaven with his grandfathers, Terry E. Knight and Merle F. Whipp, Sr.; as well as his best friend Sam Winkelman.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2015 at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike in Boonsboro.

Family and friends will join together to celebrate Gunnar's life journey at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, at the funeral home. Marvin Kline will officiate.  Gunnar will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Fairview Cemetery in Keedysville.

For both days, all guest are asked to dress casually in the Warrior Nation Colors of blue and white.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Boonsboro Athletic Boosters at www.boonsboroboosters.com in honor of Gunnar.

In life, one little decision can make a huge impact on not just you, but also those that love and care for you.