Major Frank Lawrence Rapp

Major Frank Lawrence Rapp, 98, passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the Palmetto Patriots Home in Gaffney, South Carolina.

Born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania on May 17, 1925, a son of the late Jeanne (Hammer) Rapp and Charles Barnes Rapp and was the husband of the late Doris (Shute) Rapp having celebrated 73 years of marriage.  

He attended the Upper Darby Pennsylvania School System, graduating in 1943.  He enlisted in the Army in June, 1943.  He had his basic training at North Camp Hood, Texas.  After that he went overseas to England.  After the invasion of Europe, he went to France and took part in the Battle of the Bulge.  When the war was over in Europe, he was ordered to the Asian-Pacific Theater and spent some time in Manila, Philippines and Yokohama, Japan.  He returned to the U.S. in February 1945.  He attended N.C. State College under the GI Bill.  He also took Advanced ROTC.  He received a commission in 1948.  He retired from the Active Reserve in 1968 with the rank of Major.  

After graduation from college, he worked for American Viscose Corp in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania.  Later he was employed by American Enka in Enka, North Carolina.  He also worked for Hoechst Fibers in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  After retiring from J.P. Stevens in Wallace, North Carolina he and his wife returned back to South Carolina to make their home.  His special hobbies were working puzzles and woodworking.  His bird houses were very popular.  

He is survived by three daughters, Jeanne Cline and her husband William, Charlene Bellew, Laurie McElveen and her husband Preston; four grandchildren, Charles Cline and his wife Kathryn, Katherine Malloy and her husband Daniel, Michael McElveen and his wife Laura and Mary Dietz and her husband Michael; seven great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.  

Graveside Services will be held at Shiloh Methodist Church Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 4, 2024 with Rev. Sean Fortner officiating.  Military Honors will be provided by the Boiling Springs Post #200.  

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.