(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)John “Merrell” Junkins, Jr., age 86, of Joplin, MO, passed away at 7:14 a.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Merrell was born on August 7, 1935, in Oklahoma City, OK, and lived most of his life in the Joplin area.
Merrell was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Junkins.
He was married to Imogene “Imo” (Harrall) Junkins on March 18, 1954, in Tulsa, OK. She also preceded him in death in February 2016.
Merrell was a 1953 graduate of Joplin High School. He received his B.S. degree from the former Kansas State Teachers College, Pittsburg. He also attended California State College, Los Angeles, where he received his M.S. degree in educational psychology, and earned his Ed.D. from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater.
Merrell’s first teaching job was at Duenweg School. In 1963, he read a newspaper advertisement listing a teaching position at the former Joplin Junior College, which later became Missouri Southern State College. Several days later, he was teaching five sections of general psychology. He retired from MSSC in 1996 after thirty-three years of teaching.
“Dr. J.”, as he was called by many former students and colleagues, was described as being ethical, principled, and totally student-centered. He had a reputation for being composed and unflappable no matter the situation. One of his greatest honors was being named the MSSC “Outstanding Teacher” in 1983. Merrell opened his own counseling office in 1983, with Behavior Management Associates, and worked there for several years after his retirement at MSSC.
Merrell faithfully attended Harmony Heights Baptist Church for many years. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. One of his greatest joys came from spending time with his family. He followed Jesus, led well, cared genuinely, and loved deeply.
After retirement, he enjoyed his daily golf with a special group of friends and spending time with his family at his lake house on Grand Lake. The last few years, he spent many hours getting his daily exercise by walking at the mall, where he enjoyed meeting and greeting his many friends.
Merrell is survived by his four children, Steve Junkins (Sally), Joplin, MO, Gail Sweet (Greg), Joplin, MO, Tommy Junkins (Cindy), Joplin, MO, and Julie Walker (Jerry), Webb City, MO; six grandchildren, Jeff Sweet (Betsy), Logan Walker, Dillon Walker, Gabe Patterson, Holly Yust (Rob), and Martha Mayberry (Steven); and six great-grandchildren, Clare and Andy Sweet, Isabella and Isaac Yust, and Grayson and Graham Mayberry. Merrell is also survived by one sister, Jan Payne (Larry), Wolfforth, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Merrell faithfully attended Harmony Heights Baptist Church for many years. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. One of his greatest joys came from spending time with his family. He followed Jesus, led well, cared genuinely, and loved deeply.
After retirement, he enjoyed his daily golf with a special group of friends and spending time with his family at his lake house on Grand Lake. The last few years, he spent many hours getting his daily exercise by walking at the mall, where he enjoyed meeting and greeting his many friends.
Merrell is survived by his four children, Steve Junkins (Sally), Joplin, MO, Gail Sweet (Greg), Joplin, MO, Tommy Junkins (Cindy), Joplin, MO, and Julie Walker (Jerry), Webb City, MO; six grandchildren, Jeff Sweet (Betsy), Logan Walker, Dillon Walker, Gabe Patterson, Holly Yust (Rob), and Martha Mayberry (Steven); and six great-grandchildren, Clare and Andy Sweet, Isabella and Isaac Yust, and Grayson and Graham Mayberry. Merrell is also survived by one sister, Jan Payne (Larry), Wolfforth, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday at the Mason-Woodard Chapel with Rev. Larry Payne, Officiating. Private burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. Monday at the Mortuary
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Missouri Southern Foundation or Watered Gardens in care of the Mortuary. Services have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary of Joplin, Mo.
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