James "Gene" Joplin

Visitation for James (Gene) Joplin, age 88, of Temple, Texas will be at 9:00 on December 28th at Broecker Funeral Home, Salado Texas. Graveside services will follow at 1:00 pm at the Wilson Valley Cemetery in Little River Academy.

Mr. Joplin passed away Tuesday, December 22nd in Belton, Texas.

Gene was born August 12, 1932 in Lynn County to Willie Mark and Mattie Joplin. He was one of 11 children. He attended school in Meadow Texas and later graduated from Wayland Baptist University.

He served in the Army in the Korean War.

He married Neva Jo Howard on January 22, 1956.

He was a Baptist minister for 32 years. He loved his Lord, serving his Lord, and also his family. He never met a stranger. He loved sharing the gospel with anyone he met while fishing, golfing, or even with a stranger he picked up on the side of the road. His gentle smile and warm hugs will be missed greatly by his loved ones.

He retired from the ministry and has lived in the area for over 20 years. After they moved to this area, he volunteered for several hospice services.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Neva Jo Joplin; daughters: Laranda Eakin of Flower Mound and Marla Smalley of Temple; sons: Mark Joplin of Lubbock and Marty Joplin of Andrews; son-in-law Ron Eakin and daughter-in-law Becky Joplin; 10 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren; sisters: Jan Altman, June Dunn, Dottie Barrier; brother John Howard.

He is preceded in death by 6 sisters and 3 brothers. He is also preceded in death by his son-in-law Curtis Smalley.

The family would like to thank Luvida Memory Care for the wonderful care they have given our loved one for the last several months.

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