Charles A. Rupp

Mr. Charles A. Rupp, 78, of Purdy, Mo., passed away Monday, May 25, 2009, at his home. He was born Feb. 8, 1931, in rural Purdy, the son of the late Oscar and Meta (Casper) Rupp. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Helen Loraine Jeans on Nov. 22, 1956, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Stones Prairie, by Rev. Duane Mohling. She survives. Charles was baptized by the Rev. J.H. Gassner on March 1, 1931, he was confirmed in the Lutheran Faith May 27, 1945, by Rev. L.J. Wyssmann. He attended the parochial school at St. John's Lutheran Church, Stones Prairie Parish, of rural Purdy for seven years. He then attended Purdy High School from eight grade until his graduation in 1949. Charles then went on to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture in 1953, when he was commissioned second lieutenant in the United States Army. He served his county until being honorably discharged in 1955, with the rank of first lieutenant. He began his career in education by serving as the Vocational Agriculture teacher at the Diamond R No. 4 Schools in 1955. In 1965, Charles changed his duties and became the high school principal he served in this capacity until he retired in 1985. During his tenure at the school, he served in many other capacities. He was sponsor of the Senior Class, a bus driver and transportation supervisor. Following his retirement from public education in 1985, he served as secretary-treasurer of the Lutheran Fire and Lightning Insurance Company until he retired in 2001. Charles also served as City Clerk for the City of Diamond, for 12 years. He was a charter member of the Diamond Lions Club and the American Legion where he held various offices and was a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Stones Prairie in rural Purdy. Where he served as Sunday School Teacher, Adult Choir, Men's Club and various Church Offices. Along with his wife of 53 years, Charles is also survived by two sons, Charles J. (Joe) Rupp, of the home, and Michael Rupp and wife, Sandra, of Nixa, Mo.; four grandchildren, Nathaniel Charles Rupp and Meredith Anne Rupp, of Nixa, and Caroline Lorraine Bredow and Christian Timothy Bredow, of Kansas City. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; and one daughter, Cynthia Lorraine Rupp. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 28, at St. John's Lutheran Church Stones Prairie with Pastor Philip Wolf and Pastor Mart Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Stones Prairie Cemetery, Purdy. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 27, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home, Monett, Mo. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. John's Stones Prairie Church, American Cancer Society, Friestatt Radio Ministry, or St. John's Hospice in the care of the funeral home. Condolences may be made online at www.bennettwormington.com Arrangements are under the care of Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home, Monett.