(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Thomas Arthur Dunlap, Jr., age 69 of Joplin, MO., passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Freeman Hospital following an illness.
Thomas was born on September 6, 1955, in Camden, NJ., the son of the late Thomas, Sr. and Barbara (Robbins) Dunlap. He married the love of his life, Nancy Hargis, on November 26, 1982, she survives.
Additional survivors include his beloved siblings, his three brothers; Paul Dunlap of Shamong, NJ, Craig Dunlap ad his wife Kathy of Marlton, NJ, Eddie Dunlap of Blue Anchor, NJ, and his sister Holly Arechavala and her husband Peter of Marlton, NJ. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Jayne Prewitt and husband Pat, sister-in-law Ann McDowell and husband Jerry, and brother-in-law Darin Hargis and wife Jenni, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Thomas is preceded in death by his parents and by his nephew Matthew Dunlap.
He graduated from Missouri Valley College in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism. After graduation Thomas was hired as the sportscaster for KODE 12 in the late 1970s in Joplin, MO. He then changed careers and graduated from the Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1986.
Thomas is preceded in death by his parents and by his nephew Matthew Dunlap.
He graduated from Missouri Valley College in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism. After graduation Thomas was hired as the sportscaster for KODE 12 in the late 1970s in Joplin, MO. He then changed careers and graduated from the Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1986.
Dr. Tom and his wife opened Dunlap Chiropractic in Joplin in 1987, where he continued to practice in 2025. He was a dedicated lifelong student and had quest for knowledge. He received a Doctorate in Law from Concord Law School in 2009.
Dr. Tom was devoted to his life work of chiropractic care. He loved helping people and enjoyed his service to the Joplin area community. Many of his patients experienced the caring and nurturing family-like environment that surrounded them when they came to his clinic. He chose not to retire and faithfully continued to care for his patients for as long as he was able.
Dr. Tom was devoted to his life work of chiropractic care. He loved helping people and enjoyed his service to the Joplin area community. Many of his patients experienced the caring and nurturing family-like environment that surrounded them when they came to his clinic. He chose not to retire and faithfully continued to care for his patients for as long as he was able.
When he wasn't working, or studying, Thomas was an avid sports fan, especially his Philadelphia teams, the Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers. He was a huge fan of Penn State as well. He rarely missed spring training for Major League Baseball. If you couldn't find Tom, you could always look for the nearest TV with the sports on and there he would be. He was a dedicated runner as well, and ran almost daily. He participated in many marathons, including the New York City Marathon. Tom had an affinity for flying and was a licensed pilot. He loved to travel, and had many adventures with his wife, family and friends on cruises, and sporting events.
Funeral services have been scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2025 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday.
Tom first came to Joplin to call high school football play by play for WMBH radio where I was also an announcer. Later my wife and I were patients of his. He and Nancy couldn’t have been nicer. So sad to hear of his passing
ReplyDeleteRIP Touchdown Tom