Robert J. Rapp, 62 of Sedalia, passed away Friday, August 23, 2019, at his home after a long courageous battle with cancer
He was born October 24, 1956 in Albany, NY, a son of Robert Walter and Barbara Anna (Rogg) Rapp. On June 11, 1983 at the First Christian Church in Sedalia, he married Kimberly Ann Ebersold who survives of the home.
Robert graduated from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Safety. He then worked as an Occupational Safety Manager at Whiteman Airforce Base for over 30 years. The United States Department of the Air Force presented Robert with the award for Meritorious Civilian Service December 2018. Within the past 30 years he has received numerous certificates and awards.
He was a volunteer fire fighter for Pettis County and worked part-time for the American Paramedical Services Inc. as an EMT. Robert also graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy at Central Missouri State University in April 2004 and worked with the Sedalia Police Department as a Reserve Officer. He also made time to learn to fly an airplane. He volunteered on several military support missions abroad. He served at many US Air Force bases and at Raimstein AFB in Germany during his career as a civilian.
Robert was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol, a member of the Masonic Lodge and, the American Society of Safety Professionals. He enjoyed collecting WWI memorabilia, traveling and had a passion for the Rhodesian Ridgeback Animal Rescue organization.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, one daughter, Melissa Ann Rapp of Durham, England; three sisters, Linda Ray of Lee’s Summit, MO, Ann Townsend (Clifford) of Wellsville, KS, Susan O’Neil of Trimble, MO; one brother, John Rapp (Tracy) of North Dinwiddie, VA; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by both of his parents.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2019 at the Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia, MO.
A private inurnment will be held at a later date at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rhodesian Ridgeback Animal Rescue or the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.