Bobby Gene Tripp

Bobby Gene Tripp, 81, legendary Dobro man, husband, father, business owner, and all-around charmer, has been recalled for that eternal jam, and we must not be greedy. It turns out there are many friends and family members who have been waiting a long time to hear some of his fine, fine pickin'. He passed away April 15, 2016. Born on July 29, 1934, in Malden, Mo., the world almost lost the opportunity to know this great man, when as a boy, he and his friends became lost in an Arkansas cave, a story which was written about in the local paper. Another friend stayed behind, alerting authorities and making their rescue possible. Not long after, he bought his first Dobro and began playing in a western swing band that ignited his life-long passion for collaborating with like-minded musicians and entertaining audiences at folk and bluegrass festivals across the Midwest. Bob worked hard all his life--maintaining airplane engines in his younger years, then driving a Bobcat, and finally, founding and running TrippNT, a world-class cart-manufacturing business with his beloved wife of 40 years, Susan. But he will be best remembered for the way he related to others, the many who knew and loved him, with gentle friendship and an easy-going nature, and always communicating through that universal language: music. He loved listening to and telling jokes and stories. Holding court and shooting the breeze with acquaintances, friends, and family was one of his great joys in life, along with having a drink and a smoke and his dogs by his side. With the exception of a scant few days near the end, this was how he lived, giving many who loved and adored him the opportunity to tell him so. We will always be grateful we had him for so many wonderful years. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Charley Tripp, his mother, Audie Sharpton Tripp, brother Charles Lee "Sandy" Tripp, and sister Goldie Lee Tripp. He is survived by wife, Susan Irene McLeod Tripp; two children from his first marriage, Steve Tripp and Tracy Tripp; two step-children, Sebastian McLeod and Rachael Seravalli McLeod; six biological grandchildren: Cory Tripp, Robin Tripp Charles, Josh Tripp, Kassy Tripp, Kyle Tripp, and Casey Tripp; five step-grandchildren: Claudia Seravalli, Carla Seravalli, Leo Seravalli, Taylor McLeod, and Cameron McLeod; one great-grandchild, Evan Tripp; and three brothers: Garland D. Tripp, Carl Ray Tripp, and Jerry Wayne Tripp. A Celebration of Life will be held on Fri., April 29, 2016 at Bob's business, TrippNT, 8830 NE 108th Street, Kansas City, Mo. 64152. Time: 5-10 p.m. Please Bring: Your stories about Bob, photos, memorabilia, your instrument. Stage and open mic provided.