Tracy Guppy

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Tracy Scott Guppy, age 64, was ushered into heaven, from his earthly home surrounded by family on October 26, 2024, after a long illness. Tracy’s former faith has now been made sight. Born on February 1, 1960, in Joplin, Missouri, to Gary Guppy and Mary Ann (Franks) Guppy. Tracy spent his early years in Neosho, Missouri, where he graduated with the Neosho High School Class of 1978. His parents brought him up with Jesus as a vital part of life.

Driven by a desire to serve his country, he joined the United States Air Force on June 26, 1979. When Tracy’s four years of active duty was completed, he continued his military career in the Missouri Army National Guard.

 

While in the MOARNG, he graduated from Officer Candidate School becoming commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He commanded several local companies and ascended the ranks until he retired as the head TAC Officer for the state of Missouri. Tracy S. Guppy retired as a Captain, in 2001 with 22 years in total served in the military.

On November 15, 1986, Tracy married the love of his life, Lucinda Ackerman, who survives him. He continued his education at Missouri Southern State University, where he earned both an associate degree in Law Enforcement and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. When he was hired as a police reserve officer with the Neosho Police Department, Tracy served with dedication and was soon hired as a full time Neosho Police Officer retiring as a Sergeant after 13 years. Leaving the Neosho PD was not Tracy’s plan, he wanted to retire at 55 from the PD, But God called Tracy and Lucinda to Nepal to share the Gospel of Christ.

While serving as a missionary with a heart for ministry, and a need for more understanding, he pursued a Master’s Degree in Christian Ministry with a focus on Missions, from Union University. Tracy and Lucinda served alongside one another in Nepal from 2006, Planting churches and training new believers in Jesus until 2014.

After returning to the United States, he led as the Executive Director of Sagrada Scholarship Bible Camp, in Lincoln, MO, a non-profit Bible camp for children with incarcerated parents. Tracy impacted countless lives until his retirement in 2021. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for nearly 30 years, before leaving for the Mission field. But most recently joined First Baptist Church, Joplin, since moving to Joplin in 2022 to be nearer family. Tracy found joy in his faith, his family and his community, enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, and camping. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with God his Father and teaching his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughters about Jesus. His next greatest joy was just spending time with his family, especially attending and cheering on his grandchildren at their various events.

In addition to his beloved wife, Tracy is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Lynn (Tyler) Christensen of Oronogo, Missouri, and Michelle Coleen (Kevin) Mitchell of Springfield, Missouri; his cherished grandchildren, Kael (Sage) Turpen, Mareika Turpen, Alyssa Ivey, Kaiden Ivey, Ethan Ivey, Tatum Christensen, Tyler Christensen Jr., Trinity Ivey, Shelbie Mitchell, and Logan Mitchell; and his two great-grandchildren, Cedar and Maple. He is also survived by his parents, Gary and Mary Ann Guppy of Neosho, Missouri; two brothers, Todd Alan (Michelle) Guppy of Houston, Texas, and Tony Lee (Courtney) Guppy of Bella Vista, Arkansas; a niece, Rylin Guppy, three nephews, Gavin Guppy, Matthew Guppy, and Brandon Guppy, and a great nephew, Royce Guppy, along with numerous other family members and his beloved Nepali spiritual family.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 4 to 6pm at Calvary Baptist Church in Neosho, Missouri. Funeral services will take place on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 2pm at Calvary Baptist Church, officiated by Reverend Rick Hedger, followed by internment in the Neosho IOOF Cemetery Officiated by Jamie Tickel, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Joplin, MO

In memory of Tracy’s commitment to mission work, the family invites donations to the International Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention, 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23230, to continue his legacy of faith and service.