William Kirby Tripp, age 97. Born April 4, 1926 and died Aug. 1, 2023. William was the son of Dr. Earle Samuel Tripp and Martha Kirby Tripp of Blair, Neb.
“Bill” was an Eagle Scout, amateur astronomer, and an avid reader in his youth. After graduating from Blair High School he proudly served in the U.S. Navy in the western Pacific during World War II as a radio operator. After many months at sea his ship was sailing toward Japan when the atomic bombs were dropped, resulting in his safe return to the states and the continuation of a long and rewarding life.
Dana College and the University of Nebraska completed his education with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy.
In 1949, L. Jeanne Thompson, daughter of Leslie and Ruth Compton Thompson, and William K. Tripp were married. Bill & Jeanne started their married life as farmers north of Blair, Neb. He became a classical music buff and shared his love of music with his family. He had a passion for pipe organ music and Scott Joplin, rag time jazz.
Children born to the couple were Timothy Earle Tripp, Peggy Lynn Tripp Leehy (Donald), Patrick Leigh Tripp (Kathy), and Leslie William Tripp. All survive him. His grandchildren are Kara Leehy Wolff (Jay), Barrett Leehy (Maggie), Wyatt Leehy (Terrin), Ashley Tripp, Laura Tripp, Alissa Tripp Olsen (Bryan), and Jenna Tripp Gerber (Blake). Great grandchildren are Chloe, Riley, Connor, Hadley, Kyra, Ariah, Finnley and Bennett. He is survived by his immediate family and by his sister-in-law, Peggy Thompson Kaufmann. He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanne, parents, sister Claralynn Tripp Parks, brothers-in-law, Robert H. Parks and Dr. Jack E. Kaufmann.
Bill served for many years on rural Washington County school boards and the Blair Community Schools Board of Education. He was very proud of the work accomplished with the consolidation of rural schools with the Blair system and the eventual building of the new Blair High School in the early 1970’s. He was a Methodist Church Sunday School Teacher, 4-H Club leader, Grange member and a member of Rotary International, where he hosted a student from Japan.
Bill and Jeanne purchased and operated Tripp Super Service, a Mobil gas station and small engine repair business in Blair, Nebraska, after they spent 20 years farming. They completed another 25 years with the business before both retired to spend more time traveling and enjoying their grandchildren.
Jeanne died Aug. 21, 2013, after 64 years of marriage.
Bill was a reader of scientific journals and history, a writer, a bible scholar, a horticulture expert, a bird watcher and amateur weather forecaster. He could listen to the call of any bird and tell you what it was, where it migrated, and facts about the species.
His sharp mind continued until his death at age 97. He was never shy in telling the stories and history of his life, but he could also recite detailed world history back to the time of the Egyptian Pharaohs. He could point out and name all of the constellations in the night sky, and recite countless bible verses.
His favorite saying, by the Trappist Monk, Thomas Merton, was: “Be good, KEEP YOUR FEET DRY, your eyes open, your heart at peace, and your soul in the joy of Christ.”
A private family service will be held at the Blair, Neb., Cemetery, at a later date in 2023.
The family asks that Memorials be directed to the First United Methodist Church, 1656 Colfax Street, Blair, Nebraska 68008.
