KENNETH JOPLIN Obituary

Kenneth Frank Joplin, 84, passed away peacefully at his home on October 11, 2014, with his wife and daughter by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Belle Joplin and his two sisters, Joyce and Virginia. We rejoice in knowing that he will be reunited with his two sons Bill and Scott and his daughter, Katy. Ken was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on October 29, 1929. The family moved to Elizabethtown, Kentucky where he spent most of his early years. Ken graduated from Kentucky Military Institute and then attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. Ken loved to dance, and it was at Centre College during a freshman dance that he met his wife to be, Betty Deupree. Ken moved to Memphis in 1949, and he and Betty were married that year. He traveled as a salesman for Stratton Warren Hardware Company and several other companies before forming the family business, Rain Dance Irrigation. Ken valued his customers and always considered them friends. Ken had a great love of music and his tastes were quite diverse. He could belt out a country tune on the guitar, and performed on stage many times. He cherished being a member of the Lindenwood choir and sang with them for 22 years. Ken also loved sports and played football both in high school and college. He was an avid follower and supporter of the Memphis Tigers. He and Betty enjoyed many trips to watch them play. Ken was a loving, considerate and generous man. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. He had a beautiful warm smile and a strong spirit that fought to stay with us till the end. Ken is survived by his wife, Betty and daughter, Sally (Jim) Logan, daughters-in-law, Sandra Joplin, Sheri (Don) Grear; son-in-law, Walter Tong; four grandchildren, Dr. Ben (TJ) Grear, Betsy (Johnathon) Loe, Christian (Joey) Liberto, and Larry Joplin, three great-grandchildren, Sophie Loe, Huxley and Harrison Grear; two step- grandchildren, Joy (Rodney) Ervin, John Canaday; two step- great-grandchildren, Paige and Rodney Jr. Visitation will be Sunday the 19th at noon at Lindenwood Christian Church (Parkway and Union) followed by a memorial service to celebrate his life at 1 p.m. Memorials may be sent to Lindenwood or a charity of your choice in Ken’s name.