Wilbur Nolen Tripp

Mr. Tripp or better known as “Doc” was born November 7, 1930 at Grady, OK to the late Mr. Roy E. Tripp and Mrs. Lora Bell (Rich)Tripp. He departed this life on Sunday July 27, 2008 at the Healdton Hospital after a short battle with cancer.

Doc attended school in Grady and Ringling, OK and at Crosbyton, TX. He enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a platoon Sergeant in the heavy weapons department for the 45th Infantry division during the Korean Conflict. After a brief experience in the oilfield, Doc pursued an education at Murray State College and later received his Bachelors Degree in Agronomy from Oklahoma A&M College. He also earned a Masters in Adult Education from Oklahoma State University.

Doc married the former Nancy Jane Pemberton on January 23, 1955, at Thomas, OK and to this union were born 4 children. His first employment was with the Soil Conservation Service in Canyon, TX. He then served as Caddo County 4-H agent from 1957 to 1965. He then moved to Fairview, OK, and served as the Major County Extension Agent for ten years. In 1975 he moved to Guymon where he served as Texas County Extension Agent and Area Agronomist until his retirement in 1986. Also in that year, he coached the Gracemount Land Judging Team.

Doc was the president of the Oklahoma Association of County Extension Agents in 1983-1984. In 1980 he received the distinguished Service Award for Service to the Agricultural Industry from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. In 1985, he received the outstanding service award from the OSU agricultural Alumni Association. Other honors include OSU Master Professional Agronomist Award, Honorary FFA Chapter Degree, Honorary FFA Chapter Farmer, and Distinguished Service Award from Anadarko Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Doc greatly enjoyed working with Farmers, ranchers, and youth while he was an extension agent. Working with youth was an important part of his program, and he enjoyed seeing young people excel in their chosen professions.

Community involvement was important, as he was a member of the Lions Club, Toastmasters Club, and Masonic Lodge. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church and could be found helping with Kids Club, youth activities, and Methodist Men.

Doc was preceded in death by his Parents, Roy and Lora “Shorty” Tripp and a granddaughter, Audra Rose Tripp.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Nancy Tripp of the home, 4 Children and their spouses, Dr. Mike Tripp and wife Rita of Ringling, Patti Sebesta and husband Steve of Fargo, North Dakota, Dr. Phil Tripp and wife Beth of Shelbyville, KY, and Jani Drake and husband Ray of Hume, Missouri. One brother, Leland Tripp and wife Bernie of Bryan TX. 9 Grandchildren, Heather Stephens and husband Justin, Abbie Tripp, Ashley and Kyle Sebesta, Holt, Landri, and Lindsay Tripp, and Randy and Lora Drake; 2 great grandchildren, Hunter Stephens and Dylan Sebesta. Numerous other relatives, Church family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Grandsons, Randy Drake, Holt Tripp, and Kyle Sebesta, and nephews Tim Tripp, Tony Tripp and Tom Tripp.

Honorary Bearers will be Jimmy Grace, Jerry Hill, Dean Kear, Ken Kimmel, Mike Kirkpatrick, Rick Lewis, Bill Massey, Skeet (Loyd) Schaumburg, Herman Seymour, Ted Smith, Bill Stroud, Aubrey Wilson, and Todd Wilson.

In Lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Ringling United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 247, Ringling, OK 73456

Family visitation will be from 6-8pm Tuesday Evening at the funeral home in Ringling.

Condolences may be sent online at alexanderfuneralhome.org