John E. Joplin

John E. Joplin, 83, of Fort Smith, passed away Sunday in Fort Smith. He was born January 6, 1931 in Fort Smith to John Ed Joplin and Fern Wiley Joplin. He was a Presbyterian, a Mason for 50 years, member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalman, Army Combat Veteran of the 3rd Infantry Division during the Korean War and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He worked for the Kansas City Southern and Santa Fe Railroads for over 46 years holding several positions and was past member of the Association of American Railroads. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 1/2 years Nancy Evelyn Joplin. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Wednesday at the Pavilion at National Cemetery with Ben Shure and Paul Bridges officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. He is survived by sons John Edward Joplin III and wife Linda of Greenwood, AR and Paul David Joplin, Sr. of Fort Smith, AR, daughter Lisa Gayle Toahty and husband David of Oklahoma City, OK, brother William W. (Bill) Joplin of Jacksonville, AR, grandsons Jeremy Joplin and wife Jen of Fort Smith, AR, Sean Toahty of Oklahoma City, OK and Paul David Joplin, Jr. of Sallisaw, OK, Granddaughters Jennifer Shure and husband Ben of Fort Smith, AR and Elissa Barnes of Oklahoma City, OK, great grandsons Levi and Luke Shure and Jett Joplin and great granddaughters Charis Shure and Jaylin Joplin of Fort Smith, AR. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 5:00 PM-6:30 PM at Edwards Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Donor’s Choice.