Dr. Carl F. Vaupel, Jr.

Dr. Carl F. Vaupel, Jr., 68, of Jonesboro, died Sunday at his home. Born in Washington, D.C.to the late Dr. Carl F. & Ann Winniestaffer Vaupel, he had a varied and successful career in the field of education. He received his B.S in history from Eastern Illinois University; his M.S. in history from Colorado State University, and his Doctorate in Education from the University of South Dakota. Dr. Vaupel’s first teaching position was that of teaching history at Joliet Central High School in Joliet, Illinois. He later became the coordinator of student teachers for Central Michigan University. In 1972, he moved to Arkansas State University where he enjoyed a very successful tenure. He primarily worked with curriculum and supervision but did serve as the Interim Chair of the College of Education for a period of time. He was a published author having many articles published in educational journals.

He loved sports and reading and helped with the Meals on Wheels Program for the Senior Life Center. He was a loving husband, a proud and wonderful Father to his children and a great Papa to his grandchildren.

Teaching was his life and he took a personal interest in his students. His love of animals and nature was handed down from his father, a veterinarian. He always managed to make history a part of his many travels. An avid Ohio State fan, his father's alma mater; he followed their sports schedules religiously. His family and siblings loved his humor and how he cared about us all. We will miss him terribly.

Always wanting to keep abreast of the latest trends and practices in his field, he took a leave of absence from ASU and assumed the duties as a principal for the Greene County Tech School District. Dr. Vaupel retired in 2002 but still remained on the adjunct faculty at ASU working with the ABC Pre-School Program.

He was an active member at Blessed Sacrament Church in Jonesboro. He coordinated the usher program and was the head usher for the church. He had also served as a communion steward and a lector.

Dr. Vaupel is survived by his wife, Joy Vaupel of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Todd & Cindy Vaupel, Jonesboro, Vann & Beth Vaupel, Conway; daughters and sons-in-law, Kelly & Kevin Britt, Eads, Tennessee, Holly & Derek Gillette, Okinawa, Japan; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne & Cheri Vaupel, Lansing, Michigan; and sister and brother-in-law, Patricia & John Trudicks, Burr Ridge, Illinois. He also leaves his grandchildren, Kelsey Britt, Karley Britt, Kassidy Britt, Thomas Gillette, Emily Gillette, Joseph Gillette, Aaron Vaupel, Sophia Vaupel, and Elliott Vaupel; his niece and nephews, Brad Vaupel, Jacey Swedberg, Mike Cassidy, Jeff Cassidy; his twin aunts, DeeDee Wirtz and Dorie Lippert; and a sister-in-law, Kathy Cassidy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church with Father Jack Vu officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Emerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Active pallbearers will be Dewey Sifford, Harold Ferguson, David Ferguson, Bobby Puryear, Ron Blackburn, and John Dacus.

Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Clark, Wayne Long, Larry Brimhall, Bill Keuter, Dan Spencer, Larry Boling, Derrick Gillette, Kevin Britt, John Trudicks, Ushers at Blessed Sacrament, The Gourmet Group, and the Senior Life Center.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday with Rosary being said at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

For lasting memorials, the family requests that consideration be given to the Building Fund at Blessed Sacrament Church, 614 S. Church Street, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72401.