Dr. Robert F. Triplett

Dr. Robert F. Triplett, 80, of Pittsburg, died at 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, 2005, at the Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center. He was born Oct. 31, 1924, in Pittsburg, Kan., to William Frank and Margaret Ann Pratt Triplett. He attended school at Horace Mann, Pittsburg, Lafayette, and Joplin, Mo. and graduated from high school at Webb City, Mo. He attended the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, graduating in 1950.

Dr.Triplett practiced podiatry in Joplin,Nevada, and since 1966 in Pittsburg, Kan. While in Nevada, he established the first foot clinic in a state institution in Missouri. He developed a casting technique for treating infant clubfoot, which was published in 1957 and now is an accepted technique for the problem. During this time, he held all of the offices in the Missouri Podiatric Medical Associations, finishing as president, and then he assumed the job of editor of the Missouri Bulletin, the state publication.

Dr. Triplett served in World War II in the U.S. Navy. He also served in the Civil Air Patrol in Pittsburg, from 1968 to 1971, where he served as a captain.

He was united in marriage to Jo Ann Sells Hudson on Feb. 23, 1967, at Coffeyville, Kan. She survives at the family home.

Membership was held in the First United Methodist Church and was a member of the choir for approximately 20 years. He was also active in the Boy Scouts, serving as cubmaster, explorer advisor, District Commissioner, District Chairman and council Lcadership Training Chairman.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Dr. James R. Triplett of Pittsburg and Robert F. Triplett, Jr. of Chattanooga, Tenn.; a daughter, Diana Richards of Jasper, Mo.; two stepsons, Dr. Richard Hudson of Pittsburg and Mark Hudson of New Sharon, Iowa; a step-daughter, Cynthia Hudson of Eureka Springs, Ark.; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Byron Triplett and a sister, Dr. Evelyn Triplett.

Memorial services were held 10:30 a.m, Thursday, Oct. 27, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Thomas Sims officiating. Dr.Triplett was cremated. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. Fourth St., Pittsburg.