Steve Bissette reported yesterday that artist Irving Tripp passed away due to complications from cancer on Nov. 27 in Haines City, Florida. He was 88.

A staff artist for Dell Publishing from 1941 to 1982, Tripp is best known for his work with John Stanley on the popular Little Lulu series of comic books. While Stanley is acknowledged as the author of the series and provided layouts, Tripp was the illustrator for the comic during it's lengthy run.

In addition to his lengthy time with Lulu, Tripp also worked on Tom and Jerry and Bugs Bunny comics, as well as several Disney adaptations, including Dumbo and The Reluctant Dragon. He also served in the Army during World War II, and was stationed in the Philippines.

According to his obituary in The (Lakeland, Florida) Ledger, Tripp is survived by three sons, one daughter, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Bissette has an excellent appreciation of Stanley and Tripp's Lulu on the Schulz Library Blog, along with the official announcement from Tripp's son in the comments. I'll be updating this post throughout the day as more obits and remembrances start to appear.

UPDATE: Tom Spurgeon has a lengthy and well-considered obit up at his site.