Sandy Jon Rupright was born in Alexandria, Virginia to Bettie Livingston Rupright on June 24, 1946 where his mother had served in the United States Navy. When Jon was five years old, he and his Mother moved to Michigan where she met and later married Stanley Kalota who lived in Dearborn Heights. Jon would be their only child. Growing up, Jon developed an early love for automobiles while spending time with his grandmother who happened to live near the Ford Motor Company testing grounds. He loved to share his memories of biking with friends to watch the latest vehicles race across the track and as the years went on it remained a favorite spot to visit.
In 1964 Jon went to Olivet College in Olivet Michigan, he graduated with Honors in Biology in 1968 and in that same year he entered Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri. During his third year of medical school he met his future wife Karen Lynn Riley and married her on July 3, 1971. Jon’s mother Bettie passed away on the day he graduated from medical school in May of 1972.
Jon and Karen moved to Clearwater Florida where Jon completed his one year internship at SunCoast Hospital in Largo Florida where his two children were born, Andrea and Mark. Jon became board certified in Family medicine and was a general practitioner for thirteen years. In 1985 Jon and his family moved to Southfield Michigan where he completed a Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Upon completion of his Residency, he moved his family to Jefferson City, Missouri where he developed the first In-Patient Rehabilitation Unit at what is now known as Capital Region Medical Center.
In the fall of 1991 Jon took on a new challenge at Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia, Missouri caring for Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury patients. Along with these responsibilities he also began teaching resident physicians. Jon loved his work and advocated for his patients. He viewed practicing rehabilitation medicine as a team activity. He valued every person involved regardless of their position. Everyone was important. He loved his work and the people he worked with.
Jon retired in 2013 and was designated Associate Professor Emeritus of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation by the University of Missouri School of Medicine in April of 2014.
Jon came to faith during his time in medical school. He heard through a friend and the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) that he was loved by God and that Jesus Christ had made atonement on his behalf. Jon chose to follow Christ and was always active in the local church serving faithfully in different capacities.
Jon is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Andrea, son Mark and his wife Patricia and their children Ellyn and Lucy. Along with many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his mother, his step father, his father-in-law, mother-in law.
Jon was a faithful and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend. He will be missed and remembered always.
A visitation for Jon will be held Friday, May 3, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at The Crossing, 3615 Southland Dr, Columbia, Missouri 65201, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Stanley Kalot Memorial Endowment, University of Missouri.
Gifts by Check: Payable to the “University of Missouri” and please include the fund name in the memo line or attached note: “Stanley Kalota Memorial Endowment” Mail to: Mizzou Gift Processing, 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211.
Gifts online: Online gifts can be made at: www.giving.missouri.edu and by clicking on the “Give Now” button, Under “Designations” select “Other” and click “Save Selection” then enter “Stanley Kalota Memorial Endowment” in the fund name box. Jon Rupright’s name should be added under the “Honorary or Memory Information” section, and there is space for additional comments.
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