January 21, 1953 - September 13, 2015
John Triplett of Dallas, TX suddenly passed from our midst on September 12, 2015. He was 62 years old. His friends and family are saddened and will surely miss John. A very unique individual, born in Amarillo, TX in 1953 to parents Elizabeth (Lockey) and Neal Triplett. His early childhood was spent in Sherman, TX and later he moved to Dallas, TX where he graduated from Highland Park High School in 1971. He attended The University of Texas at Austin where he received a Bachelor’s degree in History, graduating with honors.
John’s fascination with words and language lead him on a life of travel and adventure. He lived and worked in 8 countries teaching English, meeting new friends and observing different cultures. He enjoyed the food and customs of some of the world’s greatest cities throughout most of his adult years. He was most proud of writing what he described as “the quintessential English dictionary”. His health began to decline in the last few years due to Type 1 diabetes he had endured from the age of 11. Increasing health problems brought John back to Dallas in 2012 where he lived with his brother and his family in Lakewood. We will all remember wonderful conversations with John Involving all of his various areas of interest-music, chess, golf and tennis, astronomy, history, science. Never play “do you know this word” with John.
He was preceded by parents. Survived by sisters Marianne Howells (Tim) and Stacie Lovelace, brother Richard Triplett (Virginia), nephews Adam Howells, Andrew, Mathew, Peter, Thomas Triplett and Mark Lovelace, great nieces Peyton, Lainey, and Katie Howells and Ava Triplett, great nephews Blake Howells, Richard and James Triplett and his step mother Shirley Triplett.
A memorial service celebrating the life of John Edwyn Triplett will be held at 2:00PM on September 26, at First Presbyterian Church Of Dallas,1835 Young St., Dallas, TX 75201.
In lieu of flowers please make any memorial gifts to the Stew Pot at thestewpot.org or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at jdrf.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of:
ARIA Cremation Service & Funeral Home
10116 E. NW Highway
Dallas, Texas 75238
214.340.8008
13 replies on “Triplett, John E.”
John always had the biggest smile, the warmest hugs, and the most engaging personality. He will be missed.
As a child, I looked up to my cousin, John. As an adult, I admired his drive, his wit, and his warm and loving personality. I will miss him greatly.
I worked in the HPHS library with John. He was a true friend. Always the kindest person in the room. Always a book in his hand. God bless you, John.
I remember John as a very young man. He was ahead of his time. 40+ years ago when I saw him in Sherman.
John lived to the beat of a different drummer. We are all so fortunate to have heard his unique rhythm of life.
“Don’t follow me, I might not be a good leader.
Don’t lead me, I might not be a good follower.
Just walk by my side and hold my hand and be my friend.”
John is my friend….
What a wonderful person John was. I only knew him at HPHS, but he was so nice. It looks like he had a fabulous life of travel. I know he will be missed by all those who loved him.
John inspired me to seek adventure. I didn’t know him well, but admired him – he always had a smile!
My best wishes to his family.
Heartfelt condolences to John’s family.
I remember John to have been a colorful and unique character at HPHS. The world is a lesser place without him
I haven’t seen John form many years but he was a friend while attending school in Sherman. I am sorry for your loss.
Dear Rick
John forwarded the notice of johns passing to me. So sorry to hear of his death at so early an age. Having lost my younger Tom and older brother mike I know how hard that is. Hard to believe we have arrived at this point in our lives. Seems like yesterday we were in high school and now I’m enrolling in Medicare. Perhaps if I’d lived in Dallas we could have kept in closer touch. From the notice it sounds like the Triplett clan have populated north Dallas. Enjoy your family.
Regards,
Rich
Just heard the news today. John and I grew up together in Sherman. We had a blast growing up. Stayed in touch after he moved away from Sherman. Last saw him about a year ago. I will forever miss him. Gary Redden
I am saddened and wish to offer my belated but heartfelt condolences to the Triplett family. I only heard of his passing two years after the fact. I first met John in Paris at an open air flea market in 1986. We made an instant connection over a Jim Morrison cassette tape that was for sale. Then we realized we were both from Texas. We became friends instantly. I saw him frequently over the course of the next year in Paris. He enthusiastically showed me his dictionary. We played chess over many beers. I visited him in 1987 when he moved to Rome. Then again in 1992 in Barcelona. We both loved Romance languages. In Spain we’d stay up all night and undertake fierce ping pong matches. I saw him again in Austin in 1993. He came to visit me at my parents’ house. I soon moved to Asia, then Russia. We lost all contact with one another. Recently I came across one of my old journals and I nearly cried with laughter at the memories of the time spent with one of the most inquisitive, likeable, and truly genuine people I have ever known. I looked for him on the internet, and I found this obituary. I am truly saddened. I lost my brother the year previous. Now I have the same feeling. My condolences. Please feel free to contact me if you ever come to Austin. Many old photos and journal entries. My life is richer for having known him.