Joplin, MO - Adolph Reginald Mueller, Jr., M.D., age 92, of Joplin, passed away on December 2, 2025. Born January 17, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was preceded in death by his father, Adolph R. Mueller, Sr., M.D., mother, Viola Claudia Ruth Curry Mueller, and sister, Carolyn Louise Mueller Willingham.

A member of the Leavenworth, Kansas, High School class of 1951, he is remembered for his speed and dexterity as he won state in both high and low hurdles. One record will never be broken because it was measured in yards, instead of meters. Adolph attended the University of Kansas on a track scholarship, where he met his wife, Judy, and graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

He was a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to until 1971 and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service as USAF hospital chief of orthopedics in Vietnam, an Air Medal, and a small arms expert marksmanship ribbon among others.

Dr. Mueller has resided in Joplin since 1971, when he came to join the orthopedic practice of Dr. Ned Chase. He loved practicing medicine and was committed to excellence in his work. He belonged to many medical groups: Orthopaedic Academy, Missouri Orthopaedists, Oklahoma Orthopaedists, The American College of Surgeons, The Midwest College of Surgeons, the Springfield area group of surgeons. He served as president of the Jasper County Medical Society and was on the Board of Directors of St. John's Hospital.

He was an elder and a deacon in the First Presbyterian Church of Joplin and a 50-year member of the Scottish Rite. He also was a life member of Spiva Art Center, Joplin Little Theatre, and Joplin Historical Society.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Judith Morgan Mueller. Also surviving are their five children: Andy Mueller (Beth), Helen Cauthen (Jim), Marcia Everson (Rick), Charles Mueller (Jane), and Cameron Mueller (Jeanne), eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren (and one on the way) and a niece and nephew, Viola and John Willingham.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church, 509 South Pearl Avenue in Joplin at 1:00 PM. Visitation will follow in John Knox Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts to the First Presbyterian Church, Mercy Hospital, or a shooting organization.