Ronald Hugh Triplett, 76, of Quincy, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, at Good Samaritan Home in Quincy, Illinois.

Ron was born on November 14, 1949, in Quincy, Illinois, to Wendell Triplett and Emma (Whitaker) Triplett, both of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from Quincy Senior High School in 1967 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Quincy College in 1972, later pursuing graduate studies at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL.

Ron dedicated many years of service to Quincy Public Schools, working in maintenance at Baldwin Intermediate School until his retirement in 2002. He was known for his strong work ethic, funny nature, and the relationships he built throughout his years of service.

Outside of work, Ron lived life with energy and personality. He had a lifelong love of baseball, playing from childhood through high school and continuing into adulthood in competitive softball, including competing at the national tournament multiple times. He was an avid collector of antiques—especially marbles—and enjoyed auctions and estate sales,often describing his passion as “wheelin’ and dealin’.” He also found joy in restoring furniture, creating lamps, fishing, playing trivia, and spending time outdoors.

Ron had a creative side as well, participating both onstage and behind the scenes with Quincy Community Theatre productions in the early 1990’s, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Phantom of the Opera. In 1949, he and his identical twin brother were recognized in Ripley’s Believe It or Not for a unique and rare occurrence: as identical twins born in the United States, their birth coincided on the same day and time with the birth of triplets to a woman in Australia named Mrs. Twin, while Mrs. Triplett welcomed twins in America.

Those who knew Ron will remember him as funny, eccentric, kind, and compassionate. Above all, he was a devoted and loyal father who loved his family deeply.
Ron is survived by his daughter, Sarah (James) Hoebing of Quincy, Illinois; and his step-grandson, Brennan Lord. A stepdaughter, Deanna (John) Farrell of St. Louis, Missouri and step-grandson, Kellan Farrell. He’s also survived by his significant other, Becky Hollembeak.

He is further survived by his brothers, Donald (Carolyn) Triplett of Quincy, Illinois, and Terry (Christine) Triplett of Quincy, Illinois; and his extended family:

From the family of his late brother, Gail Triplett (Terri) of Joplin, Missouri: nephews Craig Triplett of Alexandria, Virginia, Curt Triplett of Joplin, MO, and Chris (Patty) Triplett; great-nephew Chris (Crystal) Triplett and their son Theodore; great-niece Natasha (Jesse) Farmer (deceased), and their sons Abel and Axel Farmer of Galena, Kansas; great-nephew Kaleb Triplett (fiancée Bailey Philliber) of Carthage, Missouri and their children Quintin and Quigley; and great-niece Carissa Triplett (fiancé Anthony Martin) of Carthage, Missouri, and their children Ezra, Elias, and Ekela Martin.

From the family of his brother Donald (Carolyn) Triplett: nephew Todd (Amy) Triplett of Quincy, Illinois, and their children Carson, Ayden, and Owen Triplett; nephew Chad (Nicole) Triplett of Aztec, New Mexico; nephew Jason (Cheri) Triplett of Rushville, Illinois, and their children; Josh (Reese) Triplett and great great-nephew August Triplett; great-niece Emma (Landon) Behrens of Rushville, Illinois; and great nephews Hunter and Jakob Triplett and great niece Evelyn Triplett; nephew Larry (Ginny) Leerhoff of Quincy, Illinois and great niece Brittnee Cannady (Keenan) and their children, Nicklaus, Louella and Mia Cannady.

From the family of his brother Terry (Christine) Triplett: niece Nikki (Lynn) Kruse of Letts, Iowa, and their children Anthony (Becca) Kruse of Lisbon, Iowa, great great-nephews Carson and Luke, and great great-niece Ellie Kruse; Stephen (Jordan) Kruse of Highland Lakes, New Jersey and their child, Collins Kruse; and Chase Kruse of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is also survived by nephew Shannon (Laura) Triplett of Quincy, Illinois, and their children Riker and Oliver Triplett; nephew TJ Triplett of Knoxville, Illinois, and children Myah, Harper, and Maddison Triplett; and nephew Tony (Jen) Triplett of Williamsfield, Illinois, and children Rylee and Charlee Triplett.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gail Triplett; his great-niece, Natasha Farmer; and his beloved aunt and uncle, Bernice (Whitaker) Bradshaw and Melvin “Brad” Bradshaw.

Ron loved animals, especially his dogs Allie, Frank, and Beans, and treasured time spent with friends over breakfast at local gathering spots. He also fondly remembered growing up on his grandparents’ farm, a place that always held a special place in his heart. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Ron’s Life at the Elks Lodge in Quincy, IL, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 PM. Service arrangements are with Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.