Thomas Jefferson Dupree, Sr.

Life’s Reflection

Thomas Jefferson Dupree Sr (TJ) was the first of five children born to John and Icrene Dupree on May 13, 1930 in New Edinburg, Arkansas.

TJ spent his formative years in New Edinburg and received his primary and secondary education there. He moved to Kansas City, Kansas with his mother and sisters in 1945. After attending Donnelly College for a brief period, TJ went to work doing construction and worked with Huey Creal and Son’s Concrete. He also worked for the US Postal Service while working as a full-time employee of Trans World Airlines in their Fleet Services Department/Ramp Service. Thomas retired from TWA in 1992 after 35 years of exemplary service.

Shortly after moving to Kansas City, Kansas, TJ met the love of his life, Othella Creal. They joined in holy matrimony in 1947. To this union four children were born; Lazier V. Dupree, Yvonne Dupree (Wheeler), Lawanne Dupree (Jackson), and Thomas Dupree, Jr… Yvonne; Lawanne; and Tommy, Jr. preceded him in death.

Thomas gave his life to Christ at an early age. Shortly after moving to Kansas City TJ joined the Historic Allen Chapel AME Church of Quindaro, where he remained a faithful member until his death.

Thomas was a devoted family man, always putting family first. He was a loving husband and father for more than 70 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and always had a clean car and a custom truck. He also enjoyed spending time in Arkansas visiting his father and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his three children as noted above, and also by his mother, Icrene Dupree-Rowe; father, John Dupree; sisters, Ernesteen Heggie; and Dorothy Jarrett.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Othella Dupree; daughter, Lazier V. Dupree; grandsons,

La Vert Murray, Jr. (Denise); Andre Dupree (Dana); Louis Jackson, III; Laverio D. Jackson; and granddaughter Larenda Jackson; sisters, Wyette Newton; and Rachel Coleman; nine great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; sisters in law, Emma Lee Daniels; Delores Lindesay; Hazel Ortega; and Emma Creal;  brothers in law, Willie Daniels; and Harl Newton; as well as a host of nephews, nieces, family, and friends.

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