Kenneth Joplin
The universe lost a little bit of light when Larry Kenneth “Kenny” Joplin left this world in the early morning of January 21, 2026, after a valiant battle with lioblastoma. Sandy, his beloved wife of 59 years and 45 minutes, and his three sons were by his side. He was 79 years old.
Kenny was born on September 26, 1946 in a two-bedroom cottage on Olden Street to parents Clyde and Hazel Joplin. He attended school in West Plains, Mo., where his peers elected him Student Body President, surely recognizing both his natural leadership and his ability to charm the pants off of anybody. In addition to student government, he excelled as a thespian, a tenor, a trumpet player and most infamously, as lead singer/rhythm guitar for the band “First Flight.” He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia (briefly), where he continued his musical
pursuits, before transferring to Drury College in Springfield, Mo. In 1967, mere months after marrying Sandy, he answered his nation’s call by joining the United States Army and deploying to Vietnam as a Military Policeman, where he patrolled the Dong Ni River, earning the Bronze Star Medal for “unhesitatingly volunteering for dangerous missions.” Thanks to Joplin, Mo., native Col. Lee Sexton recognizing his last name, Specialist Four Joplin was detailed to Military Police Headquarters at Bien Hoa Air Base as a criminal investigator, where he fought the North Vietnamese Army insurgency during the Tet Offensive. Col. Sexton remained a part of the Joplin family’s life until his passing. Based on his exceptional service record, Kenny was actively recruited by the FBI, but declined the opportunity so that he could return to his beloved West Plains. Upon returning from Vietnam and following a brief stint at the Presidio Military Reservation in San Francisco, Calif., Kenny and Sandy built their first dream house on a hill in the Wayhaven subdivision and set about raising their three boys, who never really learned to get along until the late ’90s. While Sandy maintained relative discipline, Kenny struggled to keep a straight face and at church loved to make gestures to his boys from the choir loft, eliciting laughter, to the perpetual consternation of their mother. Kenny excelled at business, managing Joplin Bros. Mobile Homes with his father and uncles, while Sandy embarked on a successful career as a kindergarten and music teacher. In 1984, Kenny joined Gene Austin’s Shield of Shelter insurance agency. Gene became a second father to Kenny, who went on to grow the agency into one of the largest in the company. He earned “Agent of the Year” in 1993. Gradually the three boys grew up, earning degrees at the University of Missouri-Columbia, fully a third of whom graduating with honors. Because of Kenny and Sandy’s love and encouragement, the boys embarked on their chosen careers, and all three thrived. Meanwhile, Kenny poured his energy into the community, volunteering for the American Cancer Society, the Industrial Development Committee, and countless other organizations. Notably, he devoted 39 years of continuous service to Ozarks Healthcare, serving as chairman of the hospital board for many years until ‘retiring’ to the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation. Kenny felt it vitally important to grow our town’s largest employer and to protect its independence from corporate healthcare. He advocated strongly for rural hospitals with the American Hospital Association in Washington, DC, where his diplomacy and business acumen were on full display. In 1998, Kenny was selected the West Plains Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year.” In 2023, the City of West Plains and Ozarks Healthcare unveiled “Ken Joplin Drive.” In 2014, Kenny retired from Shelter Insurance after almost 30 years as an Agent, devoting his time and energy to being a grandfather, spending time with his family and friends and pursuing his myriad hobbies, which included fly fishing; hunting ducks, quail and pheasant; collecting pipes, fountain pens and miscellaneous hats; traveling; music; pool-hustling; and littering the house with all manner of electronic gear, including an impressive collection of obsolete charging cables. He met his illness in late 2023 with the same enthusiasm for living he brought to each and every endeavor. His spirit was indomitable, and you just couldn’t get him to complain, a trait that he did NOT pass onto his boys. He squeezed every drop out of life, friendship and fellowship, to the very end.
Kenny never met a stranger. His smile, handshake, outsized greetings and hugs were always heartfelt, and are thus legendary. As one friend just wrote: “I never talked to your dad without him making me feel I was the most important person there. That is a special quality.”
It is.
Another wrote: “My friend, Ken Joplin, transitioned to a ‘Better Place’ this morning. Ken was familiar with better places; his presence made everywhere he went better.”
He was preceded in death by parents, Clyde E. and Hazel I. Joplin; sister S. Geneta Bryson; brother-in-law Boyd E. Bryson; and sister-in-law Jane Holroyd.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra J. Henderson-Joplin, sons, Benjamin A. Joplin, Esq. (Melinda), Dr. Christopher A. Joplin (Joanne), and Col. (Ret.) Samuel K. Joplin (Tara); granddaughters, Madeline Joplin, Elizabeth Joplin, and Anna Joplin; sister, Arleta Joplin; sister-in-law, Virginia Henderson; nephew, Brent Bryson; in-laws, Bob and Amber Trautman; nephew, Clay Trautman, niece, Cara Trautman; and just too many old friends to mention in one setting.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the caregivers at Ozarks Healthcare, CoxHealth, Siteman Cancer Center, the Veterans Administration, Addus Homecare, and Hospice Compassus.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Funeral services at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. There will be a Celebration of Life service beginning at 6:00 p.m., at the Historic Post Office.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ozarks Healthcare Foundation, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Melinda (Burgess) King
January 22, 2026 @ 2:50 pm
Mr. Joplin leaves his legacy as a caring human, an astute businessman, a long time board member and supporter of OZH but most importantly a well respected and well loved man. If you ever met him, you were instantly drawn to his smile. He was kind.
My sincerest sympathy to his family and friends.
Bill and Vickie Johnson and family
January 22, 2026 @ 3:07 pm
Kenny always had a smile on his face! He was a great man. Our prayers for peace and comfort for the family.
Gary and Vivian Mitchell
January 22, 2026 @ 3:51 pm
Sandy, We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort and peace for you and your family now and in the days to come.
Teresa Eldringhoff Romans
January 22, 2026 @ 4:16 pm
Sandy and family ….lots of good memories. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Vera c Alsup
January 23, 2026 @ 8:10 am
Prayers for comfort and peace. From the Scaggs family. Vera Alsup
Nancy Galetti
January 23, 2026 @ 11:38 am
My heart breaks for you Sandy and your Beautiful family! You are all in my thoughts and prayers! If all men were as amazing as your Kenny what a wonderful world this could be RIP Kenny
Jeanne Williams Foster
January 23, 2026 @ 4:41 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss, Sandy.
Sheila Curtis
January 23, 2026 @ 6:42 pm
Joplin Family,
My sincerest condolences over the passing of your Husband and Father. Such an amazing man but you all know this, you were blessed to get to witness it every day and to be loved by him. My heart breaks for your loss, everyone’s loss. I will miss seeing that twinkle in his eye when he would flash that smile and how he just made you feel like you were a long lost friend. Prayers for comfort as only God can provide in the difficult days ahead.
Sheila (Falwell) Curtis
Angie, Terry, Sean and Kendra Richmond
January 23, 2026 @ 8:10 pm
Ken was a true light in our lives, a loyal friend whose contagious smile could brighten any room. Whether it was offering a listening ear or sharing a well-timed laugh, he was someone we could always count on. His kind and generous heart left an indelible mark on the Richmond family, and he will be missed more than words can say. Our love, hugs, and prayers go out to you Sandy and your sweet family during this time.
Linda Turney
January 24, 2026 @ 10:48 am
I have known Kenny and his family since we were teenagers. He always had a smile on his face. He was a good man. They were a wonderful family. Prayers for peace and comfort for his family. He will be missed by many. Linda Turney, Jonesboro
Gary and Bev Pliler
January 24, 2026 @ 3:50 pm
I am so sorry at the loss of my friend Kenny!!! We were friends from our child hood, lot’s of memories, from child hood, Boy Scouts, Classmates, and more!! Our Prayers for the Family!! God Bless you so much!!
Mary Ann Lawrence abd family
January 24, 2026 @ 7:23 pm
Sandy, West Plains lost a truly remarkable man. Kenny was a true friend and we will miss him. Our prayers will be with you and your family
Mike and Diana Pace
January 25, 2026 @ 8:38 pm
We are saddened to hear of Kenny’s passing. We have so many fond memories from high school days and through the many chapters of life. Kenny has always been the same friendly and caring person. Our sincere sympathy to Sandy and family. We will be keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
January 26, 2026 @ 2:38 pm
Sandy and Joplin Families,
We extend our Deepest Sympathy to all of you on the passing of Kenny. He was wonderful, caring individual who always had a smile, hug, and concern for his Family and Friends no matter where you met him in our community. Also, he Loved his community whether it was helping to pass a school bond issue for our school district(his Alma Mater), running his insurance business and participating in the town’s progress, or being on the OZH Board progressing our facility into the future he truly did what he could do to benefit all of us on a daily basis. He will be greatly missed! We are all so very sorry about his passing. We will be keeping all of you in our daily prayers and thoughts. May God daily provide each of you comfort, strength, encouragement, and peace. God bless each one of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris & Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber(Cozort), & Corby Redburn
Crockett W. Oaks III and Family
January 27, 2026 @ 3:23 am
Joplin family, we offer our sincerest condolences on the loss of your loved one and our friend, Kenny. Over the years, he was such a friend to us, his kindness will always be a part of his legacy. It goes without saying, he was not an ordinary man, he truly cared about a number of things and it showed in how he engaged people. Rest well, Mr. Joplin, you will be greatly missed; Heaven bound ~ until we meet again.
Todd Altepeter
January 27, 2026 @ 4:03 pm
Kenny was most certainly one-of-a-kind! He was someone I always looked forward to seeing. That gigantic smile, firm handshake, & big warm hugs will always be remembered but sorely missed. Sandy & boys…you had one of the best to have graced this earth. He loved you with his whole heart, and it “always” showed. My heart hurts for you all, but it also sings because of the lasting love he taught by example & is left with each of you. Kenny made a positive difference in my life, and his uplifting spirit remains within all of us that were lucky enough to meet him. His life was one well-lived, with purpose, and made an impact on many. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire amazing family.
Kristin & Willie Laufer
January 27, 2026 @ 4:16 pm
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. He always made us feel like we were the most important people in the room, and he was able to do this with everyone in the room at the same time! Pure class and a mentor to us. He also made everyone smile. I can still hear he and Sandy playing and singing a John Prine song at our piano, entertaining all who were there. We will miss our friend and prayers for the Joplin family and all friends & relatives.
Missy Franks-Hibbitts
January 27, 2026 @ 8:13 pm
Prayers for a wonderful family. His contagious smile will be missed by many.
Toney Aid
January 28, 2026 @ 9:44 am
The first time I remember seeing Ken was in the High School Play “Girl Crazy”. It was preformed in the Carmical School auditorium because the new high school was not ready yet. It was 1962 and I was twelve. I don’t remember anyone else from that night, it was “Kenny” who caught my attention. The enthusiasm he put into his part and the reaction from the audience. All the girls were wide eyed, clasping their hands, and smiling. It was like Elvis was in the room. As many here have replied it was his smile, his ability to make you feel important, and his positive attitude that made him a hero. In meetings of civic boards when I said something that made everyone else frown and look concerned, a glance at Ken always showed a big smile on his face. He might not have agreed with what I had said but he was anxious to discuss it and keep the process moving forward. Thank God that Kenny was in our lives, we need a lot of Kens today. We miss you Ken.
JACK CAMPBELL
January 28, 2026 @ 10:25 am
My friend!
David Clark
January 28, 2026 @ 2:55 pm
Good memories of Kenny. Thoughts and prayers to all of the family!
David and Kathy Clark
Dennis and Deborah Collins
January 28, 2026 @ 11:17 pm
Dear Sandy and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Kenny’s passing. He was very special to us. I have many special memories of my dear cousin. He was one in a million!
May God bless and comfort you all as you continue life’s journey without him.
Love,
Dennis and Debby
Connie J Eagleman
January 29, 2026 @ 2:45 pm
Sandy and boys,
I am so sorry for your loss! My boys, the three Hensley boys, remember you and Kenny and ballgames. As sons get older, we mothers always hope they will get along and be good friends to one another. I hope your’s do too!
With Love, Connie Eagleman
Matt and MaryAnn Bernstein
January 29, 2026 @ 3:04 pm
Dear Joplin Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. We are thinking of you during this most difficult time.
Robert Martin
January 30, 2026 @ 8:23 am
To the Joplin family. My condolences, what a great loss to the community. I got to know Ken real well through many meetings and conferences through the hospital with all of the time that he donated to serve on the board. What a great and caring supporter of the hospital. I also got to see Ken in a more relaxed atmosphere catching fish in Canada and telling great stories. Wonderful memories. As Crocket said, heaven bound–till I see you again.
David & Mallory Snodgras
January 30, 2026 @ 10:14 pm
Joplin family,
Kenny was an extraordinary man who did so much for our community. His smile was infectious and he always wore it proudly. It was always a pleasure to run into him. Our prayers are with you now and the days ahead. He will be missed so much!
Steve Warren
January 31, 2026 @ 7:56 am
Back in the mid 70’s I bought an old mobile home that needed a lot of parts and I soon learned that if I would go see Ken he could fix me up with any thing that I needed. So sad for the whole family. You have lost a very special man!
John Holroyd
January 31, 2026 @ 2:34 pm
I will always remember Kenny’s charm and grace as he and Sandy opened their home to my wife Jane and I. He had a special talent for making others feel welcome and important. We’ve seen how these traits are now embodied in their sons.
Hopefully, the grief will slowly give way to remembrances of the joy and richness Kenny brought us. Wishing you all peace.
John Holroyd
Sean Richmond
January 31, 2026 @ 3:01 pm
I have never meet anyone in my many travels that always had smile on his face more than Ken, truly always a light. I will never forget the kindness he showed when I was at Mizzou, showing me around campus when I was home sick and taking me to watch the Tigers play. Ken you will be greatly missed.