John E Tripp

John Elmer Tripp was born March 16, 1940 in Syracuse NY to Stuart E and Etta Tripp. While in high school he was an exchange student in the AFS international program that spurred his interest in people and places. After graduation from Syracuse University, he joined the Air Force as a navigator for C-133’s, flying around the world. He planned a military career but the Vietnam experience changed his mind. He was always proud of his service and fiercely patriotic. In 1966, he and Suzanne Marie Brady married at Dover Air Force Base. Throughout their marriage they lived in several states with John’s role in Dixie Cup. As Director of Technology in Greenwich CT, in 1986 he was sent to Fort Smith to either modernize the plant or shut it down. The modernization was successful so when it was time to transfer again, the family decided to stay in Fort Smith, a place they’d come to love. Later, he became CEO of Southern Steel and Wire as well as its sister company in Michigan, Straits Steel and Wire. His most rewarding position was a late career with Bost Human Development Services where he expanded its work development program.

In later years John lived between Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Delray Beach, Florida and traveled across North America with Suzanne in their Alpine motor home. He was active in the community including President of the Manufacturing Executives Association, Welfare to Work, United Way, Leadership Fort Smith, elder at First Presbyterian Church, Noon Exchange Club, Razorback Corvette Club, Corvette Club of the Palm Beaches and Alpine Coach Association.

John and Suzanne traveled the world together and with their children and grandchildren. He lived the life he wanted, unapologetically, on his own terms.

He is survived by Suzanne, his wife of 57 years, Brian Stuart Tripp and wife Jennifer of Lowell AR, Nicole Louise Tripp and partner Robert Sheets of Houston TX, his grandchildren of whom he was inordinately proud, Ryker Halen Dupre’, Nadja Wren Dupre’ and Chloe Brianne Tripp.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law Roy Brady and wife Laura of Providence RI, nephew Owen Brady and wife Hatty of Edinburgh Scotland.

He was predeceased by his brother Harold S Tripp and is also survived by Harold’s wife Katie and their numerous children and grandchildren.

Interment will be 2:00 July 17 at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Pallbearers are Brian and Jennifer Tripp, Nicole Tripp, Robert Sheets, Roy and Owen Brady.

Honorary pallbearers are Kyle Dejaeger, Sandy Sanders, Gary Henry, Rita Kerr, Dick Haskins, Buddy Coleman, David Gammon, and Rick Smenner.

A celebration of his life will follow at 3:00 at First Presbyterian Church; it will also be live-streamed on the church website. Attendees are requested to wear joyful colors instead of black. In lieu of flowers a donation to the church or to Community Services Clearinghouse is suggested.