Walter Lawrence Rapp

Walter Lawrence Rapp age 92 formerly of Blackwater passed away peacefully at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital in Columbia, MO, on Thursday, January 30, 2025. 

 Lawrence was born on June 6, 1932, to the late Walter Rapp and Wilma (Richerson) Rapp. 

 Lawrence was a lifelong resident of Pilot Grove and Blackwater. He was a 1950 graduate of Pilot Grove High School achieving perfect attendance awards throughout his 12 years of school. Following high school, he served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. 

 On March 2nd, 1952, Lawrence married Bonnie Louise Widel who preceded him in death in 2022. Lawrence worked on road bridge construction for 14 years in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He then worked building new homes and home improvement projects for 16 years in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Lawrence finished his career working at Katy Manor Nursing Home as maintenance supervisor for 13 years before retiring. 

He enjoyed the time he and his wife Bonnie would take summer trips to Colorado to escape from the Missouri heat and humidity. 

 Lawrence in his younger years enjoyed playing fast pitch softball. He was a pitcher. He also enjoyed engaging in a game of horseshoes, croquet and a game of 10-point pitch. He had a lifelong love for fishing and a round of golf with his buddies. He was able to enjoy both until age 87. 

 Lawrence enjoyed sharing time with family, many occasions he was thrilled to provide crappie fillets and homemade ice cream. In later years he especially enjoyed the shared time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Lawrence was a sports fan, enjoying the St. Louis Cardinals, Mizzou Tigers, PGA Golf Tour and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. 

 Lawrence is survived by his daughter, Janet Shipman (friend-Carl Waller) of Pilot Grove; son, Jerry (Debbie) Rapp of Boonville; six grandchildren, Rob (Jesse) Shipman, Tim (Nikkita) Shipman, Brooks (Hadley) Rapp, Austin (Amanda) Rapp, Mallory (Grant) Jamison, and Jenna Rapp; four great-granddaughters, Serenity Shipman, Dillon Rapp, Qynn Rapp and Eleanor Jamison; one sister, Lucy (Jim) Robinson; one brother, Robert Rapp; along with numerous nephews and nieces.

In addition to both of his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie of 70 years (2022); son Darrell Rapp (2017); son-in-law, Jim Shipman (1998), and his brother Ralph Rapp (2024). 

 The family would like to express our gratitude to the staff at both Katy Manor and the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital in Columbia for the care and kindness they both provided. 

 Lawrence will be laid to rest with full military honors on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pilot Grove City Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pilot Grove City Cemetery.