Rev. Arthur L. Joplin Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Rev. Arthur L. Joplin, age 92, of Marion, IL passed away peacefully at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at the Veterans Administration Community Living Center of Marion, IL. He was born on Saturday, July 18, 1925, in Logan, IL the son of Stanley and Sophrona (Todd) Joplin. Arthur grew up and attended school in Benton, IL and after returning home from World War II he continued his education at Lee University in Cleveland, TN. At age 18 he enlisted into the United States Army Air Force on October 9, 1943 and served overseas during World War II as an airplane sheet metal worker, repairing planes returning from battle. He was honorably discharged April 23, 1946, with the rank of Sergeant. He was united in marriage to Betty J. Johnson on Saturday, July 30, 1947, in the Christian Church of Benton and together they shared over 69 years of marriage until her death on November 16, 2016. For twenty-five years he worked for Shell Oil Company in Oklahoma and west Texas before establishing his ministry in Marion. He was a member of the Church of God of Marion, where he served as pastor for thirty-three years and retired in 2012. He was totally dedicated to the Lord and ministering to God’s people. He would travel for hours at his own expense to give comfort to the sick and dying, he was a generous giver always helping others where ever possible. Patience was his greatest virtue and he is now at rest in the house of the Lord. In his quiet times he always enjoyed reading, especially the bible, working puzzles and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Gayle and Steve Hale of Marion; son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Vicki Joplin of rural Carrier Mills, IL; grandchildren, Matt Hale and wife Shawnda and Heather Hale all of Marion; great grandchildren, Blake Watson, Collin Hale and McKynlee Hale; sister, Genevieve Light of Corona, CA; brother-in-law Nelson Johnson and his wife Erika of Roselle, IL, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty J. Joplin, November 16, 2016, and daughter, Arta Joplin, in 1989. Arrangements for Rev. Arthur L. Joplin were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL. The visitation was from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at the funeral home and resumed at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at the church. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events in Arthur’s life was presented to family and friends. The funeral service was at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, at Marion Church of God, 1300 Broeking Rd., Marion, IL, with Pastor Rodney Joplin, Rev. Rick Whitter and Pastor Jimmy Russell presiding. The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist Louise Cutsinger. Special musical and piano selections presented during the service were “Peace in the Valley” by pianist Heather Hale, “Amazing Grace” (My Chains are Gone) by Gayle Hale, Heather Hale, and Amanda Bennet, “Going Home” by Louise Cutsinger who accompanied herself on the piano, and “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You” by Jason Stubblefield who was accompanied by Louise Cutsinger on the piano. Special Congregational Hymnal “When We All Get to Heaven” was led by Pastor Rodney Joplin. Interment followed next to his wife, Betty, in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion. Pallbearers were Matt Hale, Collin Hale, Joe Hale, Terry Sisky, Ed Baker, Doug Joplin and Blake Watson. Military honors were accorded at the Cemetery by members of Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301 and American Legion Post No. 147 both of Marion and members of the United Army National Funeral Honors Burial Detail. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “River to River Community Living” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes were available at the funeral home and the church. For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Rev. Arthur L. Joplin

July 18, 1925 - September 30, 2017