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Wayne Joplin Obituary
Wayne (Jake) L.
Joplin, II.
VIRDEN - Wayne (Jake) L. Joplin II., 63 of Virden, IL, died March 30, 2011, at home.
He was born on April 17, 1947, in St. Louis, MO the son of Wayne L. and Mary K. Jopin. He married Elizabeth A. Griffith Elliott on July 27, 1984. His parents preceded him in death.
He was a graduate of Kirkwood (MO) High School and Blackburn College. While in college he played with the rock band Mystery Meat. He taught and coached in the Virden School District his entire career and received numerous awards. He was a life member of the National Education Association and the Illinois Education Association. He was an award winning sports announcer for different radio stations and cable TV. He was a founding member and president of Prairieland Ambulance Incorporated. He gave back to his community while serving as a member and chair of many committees. He was named Citizen of the Year by the VAAC in 2002 and served on the Virden City Council and as Mayor of the City. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Virden.
Surviving are his wife Elizabeth, two sisters, Betty (Sonny) Fischer of Des Peres, MO, Linda (Gery) Kotthoff of Kirkwood, MO; four step-children, Tami (Alan) Brumfield of Thayer, Nancy (Terry) Kelly of Virden, Susie (Richard) Boston of Albany, IL, John (Tina) Elliott of Thayer; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
As he requested, his remains were cremated and ashes will be buried in the Virden Cemetery.
A celebration of his life will be held April 9, 2011 at the First Christian Church of Virden. Greeting and visiting begin at 9:00 a.m. The memorial service begins at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor John Huxtable officiating. Memorials are suggested to Prairieland Ambulance or the American Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Joplin
jaquilla martin
April 27, 2011
Liz
I am so sorry for your loss. I was just reading on facebook and came across that he had passed away. He was a wonderful person. God be with you. Love you like family.
Red
Shirley Deming
April 8, 2011
Liz,
You do not know me, but I was friends with Jake, Betty, Linda and their family.
I am so sorry to hear of you loss. You have my deepest sympathy.
Shirley Deming
Ron and Glenda Smith
April 8, 2011
Having not kept in touch do to my own personal issues I would think of Jake often. When I heard he left us to be with the Lord. The words Of Pam my sister and his cousin come to mind. God needed another Angel!! I am not able to travel that far due to being in a wheelchair Temporaliy. I will be there in spirit Ron and Glenda Smith
Betty & Sonny
April 8, 2011
Liz,
Sonny & I will always cherish our times together with you and Jake. "Mini" vacations, every Christmas Eve, every Easter and all of the other occasions. We miss our brother.
We love you Liz.
Don Gwinn
April 6, 2011
From kicking my butt when I didn't have my homework to instructing others to kick my butt when I misplaced some important equipment at Prairieland Ambulance, Mr. Joplin was always there when I needed a swift kick. We're all going to miss him; the old saying about 10% of the people taking on 90% of the responsibility is true, and Mr. Joplin was in that 10%. He took responsibility for our community and put in work and time that he could have left for "someone else" to sacrifice. Liz, we are with you.
April 4, 2011
Liz and family,
I am sorry to hear about Mr. Joplin. He also was one of my favorite school teachers. He was never too busy to take the time to explain whatever you needed help with. Even after graduation, he never forget you; he always had a hello and that grin he always had. He will be greatly missed by everyone .
With Sympathy,
Missy Crouch-Smith
April 4, 2011
Liz and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Joplin passing. I have never called him anything else, so with a heavy heart, I say "Goodbye Mr. Joplin." He was my favorite teacher and a very special person. I know he will be missed by everyone that knew and loved him.
Joan Flowers Egizii
June Schaefer-Ferguson
April 1, 2011
My sympathies to the family of Wayne. I knew him, too, from our grade school years through our high school years. I am so glad that we re-connected a few years ago when a few of us met for a mini-reunion at Fuddruckers. Wayne was one of the "good guys".
Shelley Speckhart
April 1, 2011
Liz and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We have missed your smiling face at school but glad you got to spend extra time with him. You are in my prayers!
Shelley Speckhart
Carol & Ted Smith
April 1, 2011
Liz & Family, To paraphrase from "Annie." 'How Lucky I Am To Have Someone That Makes Saying Goodbye So Hard' Our Heartfelt Sympathy. Carol & Ted Smith
Jordan Shaw
April 1, 2011
I've known Mr. Joplin for as long as I known my own family--which is exactly how I see him: Family. He was my favorite teacher from both Middle School and High School and when I registered for my first year of college at Blackburn, there he was at the Alumni table, happy to see me. I will never forget the lessons he taught me or what he meant to others. I am honored to have been one of his students and I know I'm not alone in that statement. Rest in Peace <3
Pat (Harger) Bax
April 1, 2011
To a fellow grad of Des Peres Elementary, North Kirkwood Middle School & Kirkwood Senior High class of 1965. Sorry I didn't know you after graduation. I remember Wayne as just an all round nice guy. Not many of those around. Pat Bax, Des Peres, Mo
Dave Rathke
April 1, 2011
With his initial slide show (pre-powerpoint) and passion, Wayne helped to resurrect the campaign to remember Mother Jones, the Martyrs at Virden and others in the labor movement who fought for a better world. Wayne was part of that tradition and he handed it on to the next generation. The world was a better place because Wayne was in it.I will miss his humor.
Jim Ringer
March 31, 2011
Wayne taught us so much, most of all how to care for a community even if it was not your homtown. I was one of his first class of students and I was on the school board when he "retired". I was lucky enought to have him as a teacher, a coach and most of all a friend. I speak for the community when I say that we will miss Wayne Joplin and that we were glad that he made this community his "Home".
VHS 2007 Graduate
March 31, 2011
Mr. Joplin (Poppa Jop) one of the best teachers Virden had. He always came into class with a big smile on his face that followed a joke of some kind. He was always willing to help anyone out, whether it was homework related or not. He was a great person and will never be forgotten by those who had the opportunity to meet him. My sympathy goes out to the family. Rest In Peace, Mr. Joplin.
Donna Johnson
March 31, 2011
I will always have the fondest memories of my cousin, Jake, (who I secretly wanted to marry when I was a little girl before I found out cousins don't marry.) He was fun loving and always warm and friendly as a child and I'm grateful for my time in St. Louis with him. Linda and Betty, I'm holding you close in prayer
David Naas
March 31, 2011
I went to school at Blackburn with Wayne, he was a nice guy who will be missed.
RANDY HARKINS
March 31, 2011
It is clear reading through the guest book entries that Jake touched so many people as a great teacher. His work in his community is an example to us all. My condolences and love to all.
Opie
March 31, 2011
RIP Wayne Joplin. Your memory will live in the hearts of so many people you have touched in your life time.
Georgia Buchanan
March 31, 2011
I remember Mr. Joplin fondly ( except for that one time he gave the whole class a "F") My parents, Tom and Sonja Buchanan, were very close friends. My sisters and I spent a lot of time at his home when we were young. He was an excellent educator, coach, and man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, students, and all who knew him
Linda Dibler-Gerson
March 31, 2011
Mr Joplin was a good teacher. He was a great person. He will be missed by alot of people. My sympathy to his family.
Cory Boston
March 31, 2011
Great Grandfather and with many memories i shall cherish for the rest of my life. I love you grandpa. ;(
Just a bullied student
March 31, 2011
He was the only one who believed in me. He saved me my myself.
Diana Zimmerman Spencer
March 31, 2011
thoughts and prayers to the family of Mr. Joplin. He was an awesome teacher and community leader!
Lori Mulacek
March 31, 2011
Liz, my prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Mr. Joplin was one of my favorite teachers and coaches! His wonderful sense of humor made class and practice fun! He will be sadly missed.
Lori Mulacek
March 31, 2011
Liz, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. He was one of my favorite teachers and coach! His wonderful sense of humor made classes and practices fun! He will be sadly missed.
Kim (Coleman) Gross
March 31, 2011
Mr. Joplin will be sadly missed! I will never forget ealy bird psychology and how funny he was! RIP Mr. J.
Judy Weaver
March 31, 2011
Mr. Joplin was one of the greatest teachers and person the community ever had. He will be forever remembered. Rest in Peace Mr. Joplin
Linda
March 31, 2011
Wayne, we called him Jake, was a loving, loyal, authentic and faithful brother. He was selfless in his serving others. Our family was honored by his lifelong tender care. He was also humorous, life with Jake was always an adventure. In all areas of his life he gave what he had, with humility. We rejoice in knowing that he is eternally secure in Jesus. We will miss him. May God comfort you Liz and all who loved him.
nancy whitaker
March 31, 2011
we are very sorry for your loss. the whitaker family
Aaron Griffin
March 31, 2011
A man who was eager to serve all despite their socioeconomic ties. He will be missed by all he met throughout his travels on earth.
VHS student
March 31, 2011
Mr. Joplin was always my favorite teacher through out the years i went to virden middle and high school. He will not be forgotten
Kendra & Steve Kahl
March 31, 2011
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Michelle Good Trumpy
March 31, 2011
Mr. Joplin was one of my favorite teachers. I know that he will be missed by so many. He touched so many lives... RIP Mr. Joplin.
Kirstie Thompson
March 31, 2011
Mr. Joplin you will be missed. My heart goes out to the family.
Dee Griffith
March 31, 2011
Aunt Liz, we love you and are prayers are with you!!
Larry, Dee, Ashley & Brooke
Meredith Jones
March 31, 2011
Liz and family,
I pray that God will comfort you and your family in the days to come. Wayne was a great guy and will me missed by so many people. Liz, I have missed seeing and working with you everyday, but so glad you chose to stay with Wayne these past few months. My love to you and your family.
March 31, 2011
Liz and family:
Please know you are in my prayers and I'm thinking of you.
Shelly Wagner
helen katzenmaier
March 31, 2011
Liz, So sorry for your loss. Heaven has received a wonderful angel.
graduate of VHS
March 31, 2011
I am so very sorry for your and your familys loss. Mr joplin was one of the coolest guys I know! He deffinately made classes fun! He'll be very missed but never forgotten, thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 31, 2011
Liz, we are so sorryfor your loss. This community has lost a good man. Please let your family know our prayers are with all of you. Ladonna Austin
Gayle Fickas
March 31, 2011
Liz and Family,
Deeply sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort in the days to come. Thinking of you today.
Dawn Medley (Huffines)
March 31, 2011
Liz & Family
Again I wanted to express my condolance for the loss or Mr. Joplin and in my previous entry I meant to say he would be greatly missed.
george and carol kruse
March 31, 2011
our prayers are with you....
Joe Robey
March 31, 2011
I attended Blackburn College with Wayne. I have see him a few times over the past 10 years and talked about our college days. I will miss that. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Hunter R.
March 31, 2011
Im sorry for your loss. But this is what i remember of him. I gave him so much trouble in school but he stuck with me. Talking about his old band and selling his records to a guy in Europe. He was a good guy that believed in giving a person multiple chances. Well hes your chance at something better Mr. Joplin. Rest in peace.
Your friends at Silvernicks
March 31, 2011
Liz and family,
You all have been in our thoughts and prayers. May happy memories comfort you through the difficult days ahead.
Joyce Smith
March 31, 2011
Liz & family,
I am very sorry for your loss. No one gave back to our city, school, & church like Wayne. He was a true leader and we were very lucky to have him.
Jim & Rhonda Beane
March 31, 2011
Liz & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Wayne. He was a great teacher/coach/person & I have very fond memories of him. Our prayers are with you.
Dana deVries
March 31, 2011
I am very sorry for the family's loss. He was a wonderful teacher and man of the community. He will be greatly missed. RIP Mr. Joplin.
Jeannie Scott
March 31, 2011
We were so very sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Joplin. He was a great guy. He was a student teacher when were in high school, and was glad that he became a teacher for Virden. I know the school and the town of Virden will miss him. Your family will be in our prayers.
Bill & Jeannie Scott
Beverly Branson
March 31, 2011
Liz ,I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and the family .
Melissa Asher
March 31, 2011
Goodbye Mr. Joplin...I thank you for the dedication that you gave to us when we were in your classes. You will be sadly missed....
Andrea & Bill Weitekamp
March 31, 2011
Liz and family, We are so very sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Remember all of the good times and cherish the memories.
Dawn Medley
March 31, 2011
Liz & Family
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Joplin was one of my teachers. It will be greatly missed. I will be praying for your family.
Dawn Medley (Huffines)
Dawn (Gregory) Hayes
March 31, 2011
Mr. Joplin was one of a kind...a great teacher and citizen. Our community has lost one of the best. Rest in peace.
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