John Jefferson Joplin, 79, of Grandin, Missouri, died Monday, March 17, 2008, at the Current River Nursing Center in Doniphan, Missouri.

John was born December 17, 1928, to Lillian Fay Roam Joplin and Shelby William Joplin in Grandin, Missouri. He attended school at Grandin.

On September 14, 1946, he married his wife of 55 years, Ellsinore native, Eva Lois Shepherd, at Pocahontas, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on March 28, 2001.

Mr. Joplin retired after 45 years of service with the St. Louis Construction Labors Union Local #110, to enjoy time on his farm. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He is survived by two daughters; Cricket Joplin of Grandin and Judy Reynolds and her husband, Richard, of Black Canyon City, Arizona; his most precious gifts in life, his grandchildren; Shanna Lane and husband, Eric, of Sullivan, Missouri, Justin Reynolds and wife, Sara, of Greeley, Colorado, Heidi Joplin and special friend, James Donovan, of St. Clair, Missouri; one great-grandson, Bondi Griffin, of Grandin; three sisters, Marie Coonce of Ellsinore, Billie Haynes and husband, Jess, of Troy, Missouri, and Betty Brooks and husband, Carl, of Doniphan; one brother, Gene Joplin and wife, Kelley, of Grandin; and several much appreciated nieces and nephews.

Mr. Joplin was preceded in death by his parents, Shelby and Lillian Joplin, his wife, Eva Joplin, one granddaughter, Cindy Reynolds, one brother, Harold Joplin and one sister, Virginia Hancock.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 20, 2008, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home chapel with Brother Leon Harvey officiating. Burial will be in the McRone Cemetery.