Richard Joplin

Richard G. Joplin, 52, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Dec. 9, 1953, in Salem, Ore., son of David G. and Ruth Thomas Joplin. He and Debra L. Peters were married July 22, 1978.

Richard graduated from Gridley High School in Gridley, Calif. He then attended four years of trade school, completing his sheet metal apprenticeship in Los Angeles. He worked many years as a sheet metal journeyman, most recently with Sheet Metal Workers IA Local Union 36 in St. Louis.

He was an avid fan of Harley-Davidson, Cardinal baseball and NASCAR.

Loving survivors include his wife, Debra of Jackson; a son, Richard D. (Hanna) Joplin of Sedgewickville, Mo.; a daughter, Jennifer (Brent) MacLean of Loveland, Ohio; and two grandchildren, Bryan and Brittany MacLean. Richard was anticipating the arrival of his third grandchild in July.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Larry.

Friends may call at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson Thursday from 5 p.m. until time of service at 7 p.m. The Rev. William Brooks will officiate.

Friends are also invited to attend an open-house gathering Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the family home in Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association.