Lonnie Dee Triplett, 74, of Memphis died Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis.
He was the first-born of four children to Andrew Gerildive and Marguerite (Riddington) Triplett. He was welcomed into this world on February 27, 1946 at the Kirksville Osteopathic Hospital in Kirksville. He grew up with his younger siblings — a brother and twin sisters.
Education for Lonnie and his younger siblings began at the little country school called South Liberty, just up a lane or two from their home place. Story has it their dad, Gerildive, built a little covered wagon at the top of the hill where they piled into the “bus” and rode down the mud road to the schoolhouse. Lonnie and his schoolmates transferred to the Rutledge school at the beginning of the fourth grade. After successfully completing his 8th grade, Memphis High School found him excited to be enrolled in agriculture and FFA. He and his brother helped their father with the dairy farm before and after school.
Lonnie married the former Reva Darlene Kraus on April 2, 1967 at the Arbela United Methodist Church in a ceremony officiated by Rev. Barbara Barrett. She survives.
The Tripletts became the proud parents of two sons and were blessed with three grandsons.
As a baptized member of the Arbela United Methodist Church, Lonnie has helped keep the church operating and in good spiritual health for 50+ years. His leadership can be seen in the many areas of not only the Arbela United Methodist Church but also in the Scotland County Parish, a group of three small country churches. He followed John Wesley’s quote for a successful life, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
During the challenges the 1960s era of rioting in our country, Lonnie actively supported and marched with the Missouri National Guard, where he served state-side for over 6 years, training as a heavy equipment maintenance mechanic. He was employed with the Missouri Highway Maintenance Department for over 40 years, advancing to area supervisor seven years prior to his retirement. He was hired by MO Dot in May 1964, the year he graduated from Memphis High School. He took time off from the job to join active duty with the National Guard and came back to his job with the department, retiring in October 2004.
Lonnie has been active in the Rutledge School Restoration Society, which is working to restore the 1912 Rutledge School building. While his sons were attending and graduating from Rutledge Elementary School, he served several terms on the Rutledge School Board. He enjoyed volunteering as a 4-H leader for many of the outdoor projects. Having a small farm on the outskirts of Rutledge when his boys were in 4-H, he encouraged animal husbandry where sheep, cattle and poultry were raised. He never ceased to be proud that both his sons earned a degree in agriculture from Missouri universities.
Lonnie will be sadly missed by all those who had the opportunity to get to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Richard and Cleta Mae Kraus; grandparents; brother, Evert Lynn; and brother-in-law, Russell Fulk.
He is survived by his wife, Reva, of the home; sons: Daryn and Brandyn; grandsons: Aden, Zyan and Nate; sisters: Jane Saxton and Judy Fulk; sister-in-law, Barbara (Triplett) Smith; brothers-in-law: Larry Saxton, Harold and Robert Kraus; aunts: Arlene Dochterman and Lucille Triplett; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
13 comments
Sincere thoughts to his family. He will be missed by many. He was a very respected man in our community.
our condolence for the loss of lonnie dee. a great cousin. the strong family dennis,richard, stanley,jeffrey
So sorry for your loss. Richard & Dee Strong
Rest in peace sweet Lonnie. Your courage and humble nature has been an inspiration. I will miss you.
Reva and family I am so sorry for Lonnies loss. Ive known him almost my whole life and remember him as such a strong man and caring to everyone. May God give you all strength .Heaven has gained a loving soal. We will always remember him as such a Godly man a loving husband and father and grandfather. My prayers are with you all
So very sorry Reva and family. Cherish those wonderful memories. Prayers and hugs.
Lifelong friends, passed on by our folks, a title not everyone can share, and that friendship was passed on to our kids. My sincere sympathy to Reva T and her guys.
So sorry for your loss.
Dear Reva & Family;
We were so sorry to read of Lonnie’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deep sympathy.
So very sorry for your loss. Peace and prayers to Reva and family.
Reva, I am so sorry to read of Lonnies’ passing. You have both been on an amazing journey these past few years. As God has given Lonnie peace from his earthly pain; may He give you comfort in the days ahead. Prayers and Hugs — Your cousin, Marsha
Reva and family, I’m so sorry for your loss of Lonnie, You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Reva, Daryn and Brandyn,
Sorry to hear of Lonnie’s death. I really appreciated his leadership in the Arbela UMC and on the Council of SCLP. Those four years up there were really special. I so enjoyed the pancake and whole hog sausage dinners. Lonnie was always right in the middle of things.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Bruce Jeffries
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