Dr. Phil J. Dupler, 81, most recently of Naples, Fla. died on October 5, 2017, due to complications of renal failure.
He was born to Woody and Thelma Dupler on January 17, 1936, in Frankfort, Indiana. During his high school days, Phil kept the local sports pages populated with articles citing his accomplishments in football, basketball and track. (He was an all-state fullback and his 1954 shot put record held for 35 years.) Phil’s prowess with a football landed him a full scholarship to Duke University where he capped off his tenure by playing in the Orange Bowl at the 1958 Duke-Oklahoma game. After graduating the same year, he continued his football career and served as an air traffic control officer in the US Marines where he reached the rank of captain.
Upon leaving active duty, Phil was drafted by the Chicago Bears, but ultimately decided dentistry was a better career choice. After earning his D.D.S. degree in 1968 from Indiana University School of Dentistry, Phil worked over 15 years in private practice in New Augusta, IN before moving to California where he was employed as a contract dentist for the US Navy and later for the CA Department of Corrections at Corcoran, Susanville and Calpatria state prisons. Phil was an avid sailor and a lover of dogs and hotdogs, (the latter of which he shared freely with his canine kin). He was also a lifelong fan of college and professional football; though you never wanted cross him on game day.
Phil was predeceased by Sally Manning Dupler, his devoted wife and companion of 23 years, and is survived by his daughter Kathy Ocean of Guerneville, CA; stepdaughters Elizabeth Manning of Philadelphia, PA, Cynthia Manning of San Francisco, CA and Alison Manning Marshall of Glenwood Springs, CO; plus five grandchildren: Devin King and Aly Stephenson of Martinez, CA plus Ransom, Rowan and Ridgely Marshall of Glenwood Springs, CO; one great-grandchild, Jeneva Stephenson of Martinez, CA; his sister Marilyn Jacobs of Frankfort, IN and many nieces and nephews.
A private family memorial will be held on January 17, 2018. Special thanks to Safari Animal Hospital in Naples who cared for and found a home for Phil’s much-loved dog, Dolly. Memorial contributions can be made to: Clinton County Humane Society, 825 Izaak Walton Drive; Frankfort, IN 46041 or online at https://www.hsocc.org/donate.