Having witnessed the manifestations of ten separate decades, the Wrights to the Concorde, the Model-T to Daytona, the hand cranked telephone to the world wide instantaneous communication of today, Robert Stripling, Sr. ended his earthly stay Sunday, March 17, 2002. Passing, as was his custom, in quiet dignity. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at the First United Methodist Church with Dr. David Ring, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Memorial Park. He was born on June 1, 1906 in Big Spring, Texas and married Jean Loughridge in 1936 in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Having made peace with his fellow man and perfect accord with his Maker early in his life, Robert had time and the strong inclination to help his fellow travelers. That desire led him to serve the Big Spring Independent School District as a board member for eight years; to chair the Salvation Army Board for more than a decade; and to join his service organization, the Kiwanis Club, serving in most every post, including the presidency. Mr. Stripling was the secretary of First Federal Savings and Loan of Big Spring, as well as owning and operating the Stripling Insurance Agency for more than forty years. Outside his family, to whom he was totally devoted, his greatest love remained his church, the First United Methodist Church. Member and president of the Men's Bible Class, he served on the Board of Stewards for more than forty years. His love and steadfast devotion to his church might best be exemplified by simply stating that when it came time for him to conclude his tenure as treasurer of the entire Northwest Conference of the Methodist Church, no one could remember, nor did they discover, how long he had held the post! Survivors include his wife, Jean Stripling of Big Spring; one son, Dr. Robert L Stripling, Jr. and wife, Karen, of Lubbock; one grandson, Dr. Stephen W. Stripling and wife, Tiffany, of Lubbock; one granddaughter, Stacy Jean Stripling of San Francisco, California; two brothers, Allen Stripling and wife, Adelle, of Dallas and John Stripling and wife, Marjorie, of Fort Worth; one sister, Ruth Webb and husband, Darrell, of Fort Worth; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Drawer 1229, Big Spring, Texas 79721-1229. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. www.npwelch.com May He Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory!,
