Obituary for Joseph Martin Rup Jr

Joseph M. Rup Jr., 8th B.S., of Hurst, TX, died Friday, October 4, 2013 after a year long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Service: 1:00pm Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Colleyville. Visitation: 6-8pm Tuesday evening Lucas Funeral Home in Grapevine. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children's Hospital, The Independence Fund (Non-profit that helps injured military veterans), Community Hospice of Texas.

He was born in Brooklyn, NY December 28th, 1938 to Casimira Piotrowski Rup and Joseph M. Rup Sr. and attended school in the NYC school system, joining ROTC at Brooklyn College, which launched his military career. As a navigator in the Air Force, he served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and flew B-57's in Vietnam. He served in Germany, the Philippine Islands, and various bases throughout the U.S. After 24 years in the Air Force, he retired as a Colonel and worked in both the insurance business and as a recruiter. He also owned his own business. After 20+ years of living in Midwest City, OK he and his wife moved to the DFW area to be closer to children and grandchildren. In 52 years of marriage, his proudest accomplishments were his children and the seven wonderful grandchildren they produced. He cherished his God, his family, and friends above all else. He served his country with honor and was willing to give his life for it. Though he will be sorely missed by those who loved him, they now know he is in a far better place in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

He was preceded in death by parents Joseph and Casimira Rup, and twin sisters Marilyn and Roberta Rup. He is survived by his wife Carol, his son Christopher M. Rup and his wife Jan and their sons Tyler and Jake; son Mark Rup and his wife Michelle, and their sons Casey, Dylan, and Grady; daughter Tracy Emmert and her husband Ted and daughters Grace and Ava.