Arnette Joseph Luppens "Joe", 75, of Independence, MO passed away on February 27, 2024. He was born in Kansas City, MO on March 20, 1948, to Arnold and Lois (Edwards) Luppens. Joe graduated from Van Horn High School and quickly joined the Army. He served from 1968- 1970 serving multiple tours and fighting in the Vietnam War. During his time in the Army Joe received numerous service medals, even receiving two purple hearts. Joe was very proud of his country and how he was able to serve for our freedom. He later rode proudly with the Patriot Guard Riders, honoring fallen veterans and a member of American Legion Post 21. Above all Joe was a Godly man and loved God proudly. He was an avid Chiefs and Royals fan, cheering for the boys in red and blue. Red was Joe's favorite color. Joe was always a helper, he could fix just about anything and always down to lend a hand whenever he knew he could help out. He was a man of few words but when he spoke he was very impactful with his words, always touching you with words you needed to hear. Joe loved motorcycles and classic cars, he owned many classic cars over the years and was very proud of them. He would happily take you out for a ride in one of his many beautiful cars. More than anything Joe loved his family and his family loved him.
Joe is survived by his son Darren Luppens and his wife Diana, he was "G-Joe" to his granddaughters Lindsay Merlo and her husband EJ, and Alyssa Luppens, great grandsons Easton and Maclin Merlo, and great granddaughters Tatum Merlo and Annabell Jackson-Smith and another on the way, sisters Roberta Luppens and Lavina Johnson, sister in law Dorothy Lynton, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Lois Luppens, grandson Ryan Smith, brother Danny Lynton, and sisters Billie Jo Brewer and Francis Lynton.
A visitation will be held for Joe on Wednesday March 6, 2024, from 5-7pm at Speaks Suburban Chapel (18020 E. 39th St S. Independence, MO 64055) with a service beginning at 10am on Thursday March 7, 2024, with burial to follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. MO.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Patriot Guard Riders in Joe's name.
To honor Joe on service day feel free to dress in red (his favorite color) or flag pattern to send him off to his final resting place.