On Columbus Day, October 13th, our dad, Carroll Joplin, left this earth and began to explore his forever home… into the arms of his Savior. Our faith teaches us that he has been restored to complete health and he has joined loved ones who preceded him.
Carroll Wayne Joplin was born in a two room log cabin in Hatfield Arkansas on January, 16, 1939. His parents were Opal and Elbert Joplin. He had one older brother, Dwight Joplin.
Carroll attended Hatfield Public Schools where he played basketball. Hatfield Public Schools’ notable alumni other than Carroll, included Billy Bob Thornton. Like Thornton, Carroll dated and married a beautiful woman, Marie Ann Martin. When Carroll was 19 and Ann was 16, they eloped and were married in Miami, OK. Unlike Thornton, Carroll remained married to his childhood sweetheart for over 65 years.
Carroll and Ann are parents to four children, Toby, Steven, Martin, and Tabitha.
Carroll worked for several companies including Hallmark Cards, General Motors (Kansas City), and American Airlines (Tulsa) where he earned recognition for his “engine-uity.” He worked at American Airlines as a licensed Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic at the time of his retirement.
Carroll was active in his local church and served as a deacon in several churches. He also volunteered with construction crews who built new church buildings. At the time of his passing, he attended Life Church in Owasso.
Carroll was active in his community. He served as a City Council Member for the City of Owasso and in various capacities on the Owasso Baseball Commission and Future Owasso Rams sports organizations. He coached both basketball and baseball and several of his players went on to play professionally.
Carroll could restore a car from the frame and build a house from the ground up and he did many times. He loved sports and cars and frequently attended Owasso High School and Oklahoma State University sporting events.
Carroll was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert & Opal, his brother Dwight and a son, Steven. He is survived by his wife Ann, three children Toby (& Colleen), Martin (& Tammy) and Tabitha, seven grandchildren, Heather Lacy, Jeremiah Joplin, Joel Joplin, Daniel Joplin, Samuel Joplin, Rebekah Joplin and Preston Montgomery, and three great grandchildren, Madison Lacy, Cole Lacy, and Emma Lacy.
A celebration of Carroll’s life will be held at Mowery Funeral Services in Owasso, OK on Monday, October 27th at 10:00 a.m.
We’d be thrilled if you come by and share memories with us. Maybe he coached you, maybe you served together at a church or on city council?
