Richard Guppy

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Richard E. Guppy, Joplin, MO passed away April 8, 2021 at the age of 86. He was born September 3, 1934 in Joplin, the son of Raymond G. and Dorothy (Dunne) Guppy. 

He grew up in Neosho with many happy memories of attending Boy Scout Camp, Christian Church camp, the summer daily ritual of hanging out at the Neosho Fish Hatchery, swimming in Hickory Creek, and playing American Legion baseball and church softball. He loved being in the Neosho community. 

Richard graduated from Neosho High School in 1953, and always reflected on the good times of the 1950s and 60s. He played football, basketball, and track and was proud to have been a player on the 1952 undefeated football champion team and was conference champion high jumper. 

 Following his graduation from high school, he attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville until being drafted by the US Army in 1957. He served in the 2nd Recon 8th Cav as a M41 Tank Driver and played on the 8th Cav Regimental basketball team, 1957-1959. 

Richard married Julia “Julie” Blaine on August 17, 1962 at her parent’s home in Pensacola, FL and they made their home in Neosho. He was active in the community, as a member and past president of the Neosho Kiwanis Club, Board Director and past president of the Tri County Cerebral Palsy Center, served on the Board of Directors of Newton County’s Duck’s Unlimited; was active in the Crowder College Booster Club, and served as president and member of the Joplin Elks Lodge No. 501. 

He worked for the American Republic Insurance Company for 43 years as an agent and area manager. In 1965, he was awarded the American Republic Sales Immortal. 

An avid golfer, he played in the Neosho Sr. Golf League for over 30 years and had played at the Neosho Golf Course for over 65 years. In June of 1993, he relocated to Joplin, but always referred to Neosho as home. He was steadfast, loving and caring for his family and was loved and respected by each of them and often stated “I was put on this Earth to take care of my family”. He attended First Christian Church of Neosho for many years before becoming a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. 

Richard is survived by his wife of 58 years, Julie of the home; his daughter, Melinda “Mindy” St. Clair and husband, Steve of Joplin; three grandchildren, Isabella St. Clair, Devin St. Clair, and Ryun St. Clair, all of Joplin; and one brother, Gary Guppy and wife, Mary and their family.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, Neosho, MO. Dr. Philip McClendon and Sister Diane Langford, CDP will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service until 2:30 pm. 

Contributions may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Advocates, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850. The family wishes to thank the caregivers of Mercy Hospital 4th Floor.