GREENFIELD
Joseph (Joe) Alan Turpin passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and children on May 19th, 2024. Joe was born May 14th, 1955 in New Castle, Indiana to the late Arnold and Coleen (Lee) Turpin. He was a graduate of Knightstown High School and Purdue University. Throughout his distinguished career spanning over four decades at Reilly Tar &Chemical, Eli Lilly, Elanco, and S-Matrix, Joe made significant contributions to pharmaceutical development and lab automation. His passion for science was infectious, evident in his involvement with the Boy Scouts Explorer and Chemistry is a Blast programs, as well as his instrumental role in advancing techniques for emission and fuel testing in the Indy Racing League. Over his career, he had many scientific publications, contributed to the commercialization of several Lilly/Elanco products, and received numerous awards, including the Lilly Research Laboratories President’s Award and the SelectScience 2020 Analytical Science Webinar of the Year. Beyond his technical prowess, Joe was revered as a supportive colleague and mentor, known for his passion for science, innovative spirit, and penchant for mischief, making him an unforgettable presence in the scientific community.
In his free time, he enjoyed reading, gardening, wrestling, water sports, James Bond, and the beach. The joy of his life was his family. He spent his children’s youth coaching wrestling, baseball, soccer, and maintaining a near-perfect record in the pinewood derby. He especially loved spending time with his 11 grandchildren. Joe cherished moments spent with his 11 grandchildren, whether it was traveling, grilling out at home, or enjoying summer activities like tubing and skiing. He could often be found watching a grandchild at a sporting, theater, or dance event. His strong faith was fundamental to him throughout his entire life and sustained him during his three year battle with cancer. He spent the last 3 weeks of his life witnessing to everyone he spoke to.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Beth, of 44 years; children: Annie (Chris) Wing, Joseph R. (Debra) Turpin, Matthew (Krista) Turpin, Kyle Turpin, Michael (Lisa) Turpin; 11 grandchildren: Brooklyn, Bethany, Avery, Zoey, Olivia, Brennan, Kathryn, Elliana, Brylee, Logan, and Marie; and siblings Debbie (Pat) Fausset, Jon (Linda) Turpin, Annette (Danny) Douglas, Scott (Beth) Turpin, Steve (Liz) Turpin, and James (Laura) Turpin.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Coleen Turpin and son, Andrew Robert Turpin.
In loving memory, we honor his legacy of laughter, humility, and unyielding pursuit of knowledge, forever inspired by the depth of his love for family.
A Celebration of Life will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 28th at Park Chapel Christian Church, 1176 E. McKenzie Road, Greenfield, Indiana 46140. Visitation will be11:00 a.m. until 1:00p.m at the church before the service. Private graveside services will be at a later date at Park Cemetery, Greenfield.
Memorial contributions may be sent to: Sue Ann Wortman Cancer Center or Women Helping Women Helping, both at 801 N. State, Greenfield, Indiana 46140.
Friends are invited to share memories and condolences of Joe at www.stillingerfamily.com
