Anthony "Tony" J. Gripka, age 88, of Pierce City, MO passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at his son's home in Stark City, MO. He was born in Stotts City, MO on September 17, 1931 to the late Anthony Albert and Stella (Clapper) Gripka.
Mr. Gripka graduated from Pierce City High School in 1951. He married Phyllis Harrell on December 15, 1951 in Pierce City and she preceded him in death on February 4, 2011. He enjoyed hunting deer and elk and loved to fish. He spent many hours gardening and tending to his roses.
Mr. Gripka ran the time clock for Pierce City Eagles football games and watched the St. Louis Cardinals. He served his country through the Missouri National Guard and served the First Baptist Church in Pierce City as a deacon. He was an alderman for Pierce City, served as school board president, was a member on LACOBA's board and was a member of the Monett American Legion 91/Hobbs Anderson Post.
Surviving are the following: two sons, Doug (Tami) Gripka of Stark City, MO and Tom (Susan) Gripka of Dripping Springs, TX; two daughters, Donna (Mike) Knight of Monett, MO and Missi (Kevin) Miller of Monett, MO; one sister, Betty Terry of Purdy, MO; one brother, Charles Gripka of Fulton, MO; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church in Pierce City, MO on Sunday, August 23, 2020 from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be at First Baptist Church in Pierce City, MO on Monday, August 24, 2020 beginning at 10:00 AM with Pastor Doug Gripka and Chaplain Tom Gripka officiating. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow at Pierce City Cemetery in Pierce City.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pierce City Backpack Program in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.
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