Obituaries

John Arthur Kropf

Photo of John Arthur Kropf
John Arthur Kropf, 71, went to be with our Lord Dec. 5, 2014. John was the first of three children born to Dixie Hope (Hackler) Kropf and Arthur Henry Kropf "Jr." John married Margaret Elaine Long Sept. 1, 1962. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Air Force, where he served honorably until receiving a medical discharge. After the Air Force, he earned a degree at the Wichita Technical Institute as a certified electronic technician and began his new trade at the Augusta, Kan., airport servicing aircraft radios. John and Margaret made a home in Andover where they were blessed with two children, Everett Henry and Julie Anne. In Andover, he opened a sales and service business that he shared with his mother-in-law, Lola Long, and her ceramics. When the opportunity arose, John and family ventured to western Kansas where he started the next chapter in his life. He and Margaret worked side-by-side as the owners and operators of Meade TV & 2-Way Inc. Through these years, John remained active and stayed "connected" with his passion by holding a variety of positions in the Kansas Electronics Association. After 26 years of running a successful business, John felt that God was calling him to serve elsewhere. So as a sign of obedience, he sold the business and moved to Rogers, Ark. After the move, John became a minister and used his voice and writings to convey the words of our Lord through many publications. In an effort to cover an old stump in the front yard, John built a single lighthouse. This led to many long hours spent in his woodshop. What started out as a home project turned into a unique form of ministry. John built many table top-sized lighthouses that he adorned with verses from the Bible. As a means of reaching people and spreading God's word, John carried several of them in his truck and gave them away as God lead him. John never accepted payment for these and he relished in the joy that they and God's word brought to others. Family left with fond memories to celebrate his life are his wife of 52 years, Margaret; mother, Hope Kropf; son, Dr. Everett Kropf; daughter, Julie Oliver; son-in-law, Jim Oliver; three grandchildren, Reece Oliver, James Oliver and Marshall Oliver. Preceding him in death are his father "Jr."; brother, Eldon; and nephew, Tyler. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 1 p.m. in El Dorado, Kan., at the Kirby-Morris Funeral Home. Interment following at Economy Cemetery, El Dorado, Kan. Family requesting memorials sent to Circle of Life, Rogers, Ark. Condolences may be left at www.kirbymorrisfuneralhome.com.

Published December 9, 2014

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