Howard Leroy Dugan, 83, passed away Jan. 20, 2008 at St. John’s Regional Medical Center.

Dugan was born in Joplin on March 27, 1924. He started his career at Missouri Southern State University in July of 1969. Dugan became the Director of the Physical Plant in 1971, and retired on July 30, 1990.

Dugan helped in the construction of 10 campus buildings, including the Taylor Education and Psychology building and the Taylor Performing Arts Center. He was also involved in the additions to 14 campus buildings including the Robert Ellis Young Gym, Billingsly Student Center and the Spiva Art Center.

Dugan is remembered by those who worked with him as a very knowledgeable, humorous, and kind man. He was very active at First Community Church in Joplin, where he often volunteered.

Mike Fox, mechanical maintenance supervisor at the Physical Plant, remembers Dugan as “humorous, fair and even tempered.” He enjoyed working with wood and electrical items.

Services were held Jan. 23 at Parker Mortuary Chapel. Survivors include his wife Wynona, son Patrick, daughter Denise and other family members.