Elmer "Bill" William Rapp, Jr.
November 16, 1936 - October 12, 2023

From mighty acorns, big oaks grow and a mighty oak was indeed born in Peoria, Illinois on November 6, 1936, to Elmer and Eugenia ''Billee'' Rapp. Elmer William ''Bill'' Rapp, Jr. was an only child but was never alone as he was surrounded by a loving extended family. Between his grandparents, aunts and uncles and his multitude of cousins, young Bill created a childhood of fun memories, especially the Sunday Rapp family meal which was legendary.

He was active in sports and band and spent weekends helping out at the local gas station filling cars for tips. College was never in doubt for Bill and with his superior grades and winning demeanor, he was accepted to Bradley University where he graduated with a BS of Mechanical Engineering and was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. Not one to take the easy route, concurrent with this period he was also a reservist with the United States Navy and after eight years serving his country he was honorably discharged.

From graduation, he began his engineering career with Continental Can. It was in this role that he became owner of a few patents. One patent in particular was for the design of the plastic lid that fits on coffee cans...alas he was a patent holder in name only! His illustrious career took him on an upward trajectory and he held many different roles: Manufacturing Engineer, Construction Projects Manager, Manufacturing Manager, General Manager, Division Manager/Vice President & Board Member and after moving to Texas a Manufacturer's Representative to the Plastics industry and later to the Industrial Laser Material Processing Industry. In simpler terms, Bill was a pioneer in figuring out how to use lasers to increase productivity in manufacturing.

While his career was filled with highlights, it was his family that he considered his highest honor. He married his wife, Sondra ''Sandy'' Boken, on April 10, 1965, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1967 and 1974 they welcomed Michael and Kristen and their family became complete. Then in 1998 and 1999 the family expanded to include Kellie and Steve and then four beautiful grandsons followed: William, Andrew, Lochlan and Harrison.

Bill's sense of civic duty was one of his defining characteristics. He was involved in many organizations and charitable works and was as busy in his retirement as he was during his working years. Among his memberships and involvements were: 50 year member of Greenville and Arlington Heights Masonic lodges, Member Greenville Board of Adjustments, Member Greenville Electric Utility Study Committee 1987, President of the Citizen Police Academy, Greenville/Hunt County At Large Representative to the NTCOG Board, Chairman Greenville Charter Revision Committee 1991 (Single Member Council), Board member and Past President Texas Municipal Power Agency, Member Greenville Electric Utility System Board and Past Vice President, Member Greenville Main Street Advisory Board, a member of the MHMR Board, MC and cast member of the inaugural 1987 Follies, HOSTS mentor at Crockett school, Reading mentor at Houston school, Boys & Girls Club reader, Board member and Past President of the Hunt County Committee on Aging, Board member of the Greenville Entertainment &

Symphony Series, Chairman Greenville Chamber Vision 2000 Committee, Past President Noon Rotary and Governor's representative, Golden K Kiwanis, and a volunteer for various non-profit agency functions. In 2008, both he and his wife Sandy were awarded the Greenville Chamber Worthy Citizen Award for Hunt County.

He enjoyed reading, travel, shooting and woodworking and spending time with his beloved family. And his membership at Kavanaugh United Methodist Church and involvement in many of its committees and boards was a source of much joy to him.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the chapel of Kavanaugh United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to: The Golden Kiwanis - Greenville Chapter; The Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum or Kavanaugh Church of Greenville.

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