Francis E. “Pete” Cuppage

Francis (Pete) Cuppage, MD, 82, of Mission, Kan., died peacefully on February 21, 2015. Pete was born August 17, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Eunice and Frank Cuppage. He received a Master of Science Degree from Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, and a Doctorate from Ohio State University School of Medicine.

In 1967, Pete joined the Department of Pathology at the University of Kansas Medical Center where he was a respected member of the faculty for 30 years. His specialized research in kidney disease led to a sabbatical in Cambridge, U.K. While in England he began a study of naval medicine culminating in a sabbatical in Australia, and the publication of James Cook and the Conquest of Scurvy.

After his retirement in 1997, he became an active member of The National Frontier Trails Museum, The Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, The Kansas City Area Historic Trails Association, The Oregon California Trail Association, The Santa Fe Trail Association and other similar organizations. He could often be seen in costume portraying a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, thus continuing his passion for research. He willingly and with excitement shared his knowledge of Western Expansion with school children, church groups, retirement communities and many others. One of his favorite talks presented images of America "from the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam."

He was an avid reader, wood carver and photographer. He enjoyed hiking and canoeing with his family and friends, especially with a group of River Rats who tackled the waters of many a river.

Pete was a dedicated teacher, and by donating his brain to science for Alzheimer's research, his passion for education will continue.

Pete is survived by his wife, Ginny, of 58 years, Children: Lisa Kahns (Dwayne) of Kimberling City, MO, Peter Cuppage (V Marye) of Boise, ID and Sharon Matz (Bradley)of Marion, KS. Grandchildren: Eric Peterson (Ashley) of Overland Park, KS, Scott Peterson (Tessa) of Wichita, KS., and Josie Peterson and friend Quentin Wacker, of Ellsworth, KS, Jacob Matz and Maggie Matz of Marion, KS, Brennan, Spencer, and Quentin Cuppage of Boise, ID. He also leaves his brother, Timothy Cuppage (Suzanne) of Prescott, Arz.,

sister-in-law, Ingrid Cuppage of Aurora, Ohio, many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his brother Mike Cuppage of Aurora, Ohio. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

A visitation will be held at Amos Family Funeral Home on Sunday, March 1 from 2-4p.m. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.