Harry William "Bill" Luplow II
Jan 28, 1938 - Apr 6th, 2021- Birth Date: Jan 28, 1938
- Death Date: Apr 6, 2021
- Funeral Date: Apr 10, 2021, 2:00 pm
- Location: Saint Paul United Methodist Church (2223 Durwood Rd. Little Rock, AR 72207)
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Biography: Harry William “Bill” Luplow II, 83, of Little Rock went home to be with The Lord on the morning of April 6, 2021, Bill joined the love of his life and wife of 58 years, Kay Lynn Keese in heaven. Bill was also preceded in death by his parents, Maude and Harry Luplow, and brother, Dr. Rollie Luplow.
Bill was born January 28, 1938 in Saginaw, Michigan. His family moved to Arkansas and Bill earned a degree in chemistry from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and also met his beautiful wife, Kay. Bill was a life loyal Sig of the Sigma Chi fraternity and was honored with the Sigma Chi Service Key. Bill was selected for the Blue Key Honor Fraternity and was a senior Senator of the Universities Student Senate.
Captain of the 1959 Razorback Football team, Bill was proud to be part of the 1959 Southwest Conference and the 1960 Gator Bowl Championships. Bill was named to the All-Southwest Conference Team, the All-American Blocking Team, Oklahoma State and Tulsa University All-Opponent Teams, and was drafted by the Denver Broncos. He was President of the Razorback Letterman’s club and loved to attend Razorback games.
Bill served in the US Marine Corps as an A-4 Skyhawk jet pilot, flying over 200 combat missions in North Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and gave close air support for ground troops in South Vietnam. Aircraft carrier qualified, Bill’s call sign was RED HOG. Two of Bill’s combat missions are found in books: “Hill 488” by Ray Hildreth and Charles W. Sasser as well as “Marine Air” by Robert F. Dorr. He was presented many awards for serving his country, including the Air Medal with 9 Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal with Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and both Pistol and Rifle Expert Badges. Bill separated from active duty in 1967 at the rank of Captain, when he became a flight instructor, training pilots to become Naval Aviators. The following reflects his time in the U.S. Marine Corps – John 15:13 NKJV “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
Bill and Kay were members of St. Paul United Methodist Church for over 50 years where they were honored as “Pillars of St. Paul” and sang in the choir for over 35 years. Bill was the Chairman of the Administrative Board, Council of Ministries, and a group leader in Bible Study Fellowship. Bill was in volved with community affairs, he chaired the board of Stepping Stone, which is today part of The Center for Youth and Families, and retired from Safe Foods Corporation in 2006, where his chemistry degree from Fayetteville was put to good use.
Bill is survived by his sister Sally (Steve) Reese, his son Britt Luplow, daughter Lynn (Keith) Kerfoot, five grandchildren, Lance, Katelyn, William Parker, Elle, and Jenna, three great grandchildren, Ava, Landon, and Paisley, Bill is also survived by five nephews.
Bill said many times, “One of God’s many blessings was marrying into the Keese family.”
The family would like to express, “We will always love our Razorback, our Marine, our Granddad.”
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2223 Durwood Rd, Little Rock, AR 72207. Visitation at 1PM and service at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill’s name to Arkansas Hospice or St. Paul (UMC). Pastor Pam Estes will officiate. There will be reserved seating for former Razorback Football players and Sigma Chi alumni.
Thank you for sharing Bill with us...so many memories over the years cheering WP and the Warriors on...may we all stay as engaging and relevant as he was...Billy and I truly enjoyed every dinner and conversation with him! He made us want to love each other more. Although he will be missed greatly, it brings a smile knowing he is finally reunited with his true love...your beautiful mother. Prayers and love for you all.
It was so hard to believe Bill had died as I read the obituary this morning. Kay & Bill were part of my life for so many years. He’s with Kay now and for that reason I rejoice.for his Home going. Bill loved his family so much. I am praying that our Lord will surround you with comfort & strength in the days ahead.
With love,
Anne Brown
Rest in Jesus’ Peace as you are now in His Presence, dear Bill.
Stuart
Suzanne
Given our 60-year friendship, there is a large book of things to write about Bill. I w ill pass them along in private conversations through mail and telephone.
Eleanor and I will see Bill and Kay some day on the far side of the Cross.