Robert Edmund 'Bob' Rapp Sr.
Robert Edmund “Bob” Rapp Sr., 77, of Meridian, a child of God, departed this earthly life at 8:15 p.m. on Palm Sunday at the VNA Hospice on Benbrook Road. Bob's unexpected death was due to kidney and heart diseases.
He was born on Jan. 15, 1936, to Janet Ann (Poole) and E.W. Rapp. He graduated from Butler High School in 1954.
Spotting a drilling rig while driving always caused Bob to stop the car and take a look. He knew every bit of knowledge about drilling because of the teachings of his grandfather and father. He had a love of hunting and fishing with others, especially on trips to Canada for that purpose. Lifetime friendships were very important to him.
Bob received an honorary discharge from the U.S. Army on April 30, 1963. More recently, Bob joined the Meridian Veterans Club and enjoyed its meetings and the members there.
Pullman Standard was his place of employment for many years. He retired when the plant closed and worked several other places thereafter, including Lowe's. Volunteer work got a lot of his attention during more recent years.
Bob belonged to St. Mark's Lutheran Church and became quite involved with various outreaches there. He belonged to the Family Bible Sunday School class and was gifted in his knowledge of the Old Testament. During his lifetime he taught Sunday school, was a church council member, ushered, helped with the serving of Holy Communion, and often worked with the audio systems during worship and funerals.
At precisely 7:45 each morning his alarm clock sounded. Soon he was out the door and on his way to McDonald's restaurant where he met with new friends for coffee and kibitzing. This activity was high on Bob's list.
Masonic activities were important. They included, the Miller Lodge Blue Lodge Chapter of Royal Arch, Masons 273, Council of Royal and Select Master Masons 61, Lorraine Commandry 87 and Achieved KYCH.
Bob is survived by his wife, Katherine (Hunt) Rapp, who he married March 3, 1962; his sons, Robert (Kalpana) Rapp of Maryland, Thomas (Alicia) Rapp of Greenville, Pa; foster son, John (Nancy) Atwell of Butler; eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren who gave him great joy and completed his family picture.
Also surviving are his brothers, William (Maxine) Rapp and David (Sandra) Rapp; and his brother-in-law, Robert Fred (Diana) Hunt of Cabot. There are many nieces and nephews who he also loved.
RAPP — Friends of Robert Edmund “Bob” Rapp Sr., who passed away Sunday, March 24, 2013, will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 W. Jefferson St., Butler. His pastor, the Rev. Dr. Alden Towberman, will officiate. Everyone please meet at the church. Burial with military honors will follow at Butler County Memorial Park.A Masonic funeral service will take place at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.Memorial donations may be made to St. Mark's Church or to Camp Lutherlyn.
