Jan C. Tupper, age 81, Joplin, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at Freeman West Hospital after a sudden illness.
Jan was born June 4, 1936 in Denison, Texas, son of the late Cecil Tupper and Janice Diffey Tupper. He grew up in Tulsa and graduated from Tulsa Central High School, then attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman where he graduated with a degree in geology. After college in 1959, Jan was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, and served in the United States Marines, and also in the active reserves for nine more years. He got an honorable discharge in 1960 with the rank of Captain.
He worked for Allgeier Martin as their chief geologist and professional engineer for over 30 years, serving as President from 1995 until his retirement in 2000.
Jan moved to Joplin in 1964, and was a devoted Joplin supporter. He was involved with many projects and committees associated with the city. He served on the Joplin City Council in 1974, he served on the Joplin Board of Education for six years, and was named Citizen of the Year in 1992 by the Joplin Chamber of Commerce.
He was also a sports fan, supporting the youth of Joplin by coaching Little League, Pee Wee Football, and volunteered in Indian Guides and Boy Scouts. He was one of the founding Missouri Southern Lionbackers. He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Joplin. In addition to his parents, Jan was preceded in death by a sister, LuAnn Tupper Stanford.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol Culver Tupper; daughter, Vicky Mieseler and husband Steve of Carl Junction; sons, Jon Tupper and wife Diana of Joplin, Dr. Joel Tupper and wife Dianne of Guthrie, Oklahoma, Jeff Tupper and wife Johnna of Denver, Colorado; 10 grandchildren, Joshua Tupper, Jessica Tupper, Lauren Meiseler, Kelsey Tupper, Jarren Tupper, Jacob Tupper, Jackson Tupper, Jordan Tupper, Jacey Tupper, and step grandchild, Dylan Jackson; six great-grandchildren, Hunter, Jansen, Josie, Baylor, Jack, and Karter.
Memorial service will be Monday, July 24, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Doug Lawson and Rev. Bob Howard officiating. Private entombment will be at Ozark Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends at First United Methodist Church from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, 2017. (please use the south entrance into the church).
The family request that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Missouri Southern State University Foundation, Jan Tupper Memorial Fund care of Parker Mortuary.
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