Howard was born on September 3, 1947, in McAlester, OK, to the late Howard Joplin and Shirley Sanford.
Howard was a member of the Shady Glenn Boat Club in Prospect. He was a devoted fan of the University of Kentucky and the Dallas Cowboys.
A man of boundless creativity, Howard loved building and working with his hands, whether it was woodworking, metalworking, or tackling new projects. He enjoyed drag racing and loved his Harleys. He also found great pleasure in relaxing with a glass of Maker’s Mark and a good cigar.
He was preceded in death by his son, Cody Joplin; his brother, Kane Joplin; and his step-sister, Dodson Cambron.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Debbie Joplin; his children, Rachel Mahaffey (Nate), Howard Joplin III (Alex Wong), Victoria Joplin (Zid), and Rachael Profitt (Barry); his brother, Paul Joplin (Kathy); step-brothers Bobby Sandford, James Sanford and Bill Sandford; step-sister Susan Morgan; nephews Clinton Joplin and Justin Joplin; and niece Kari Joplin.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home, 706 West Jefferson Street, La Grange.
