Thursday, March 28, 2024

Obituary of William E. “Bill” Rapsey, 89

Name of Deceased William E. "Bill" Rapsey
Age 89
Date of Death 11/29/2018
Date of Birth 05/15/1929
Funeral Home Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services

On November 29, 2018, William E. “Bill” Rapsey, 89, died at his home in the Curtis Park neighborhood of Philipsburg. He had often said, “ I have two of the best daughters a guy could ever have.” Both were fortunate enough to be with him at his passing.
Bill was born on May 15, 1929, in Philipsburg, a son of the late Forrest “Piker” and Janet (Long) Rapsey.
Bill was a 1947 graduate of the former Philipsburg High School. Following high school, he was drafted into military service and was an Army veteran of the Korean War era.
He was married in 1958, to the former MarKay Mumford. Over the years, he would come to be known as “Mrs. Rapsey’s husband.” MarKay preceded Bill in death on June 15, 2011.
Bill was also preceded in death by his sister, Frances Knepp; who he believed to be “the best sister in the world.”
He is survived by two daughters, Lisa Rapsey, of Eugene, Oregon and Leslie Thompson, of Philipsburg. He liked to remind Lisa and Leslie, who always tended to leave “the lights on,” that he did not own stock in the electric company. Bill is also survived by a grandson, Jordan E. Thompson, of Philipsburg; two great-grandchildren, Dominic R. Thompson and Kalyn Ippolitto; several nieces and nephews; and his two beloved dogs, Missy and Faux Fur.
Bill was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Philipsburg; where he had previously served as an acolyte. He was a member of several area organizations including: the American Legion, Post #437 and Moshannon Lodge,#391, F.& A. M., both of Philipsburg, and the S.P.C.A.’s Star Club.
During his working career, Bill worked locally for his father in the trucking business. He was also a long-haul truck driver for Anchor Motor Freight. During his employment with Anchor, he became a member of their Million Mile Club. He had driven the equivalent of two and a half trips to the moon without any accidents. He was also member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Wilmington, Delaware.
Bill’s time on the road as a truck driver carried over to his enjoyment of traveling with his wife, MarKay. Their travels included visits to all 50 states and several European countries. He liked to joke that their travels took him to more shopping malls “than any man should have to endure.”
Bill enjoyed his cars. Over his lifetime, he had come to own 30 vehicles, each with its own name. His most recent car was dubbed…“Sparkle Plenty.”
There will be a memorial service for Bill on Sunday, December 2, 2018, at 4 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Philipsburg, with Rev. Robert McKay, IV, officiating.
Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Honor Guard.
The family will host a celebration of life featuring Brown Dog Catering at the Philipsburg American Legion following the services at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Clearfield County SPCA, 275 21st. Street, Clearfield, Pa 16830 or to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 170, Philipsburg, Pa 16866.
Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, is in charge of the arrangements.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.beezerheathfh.com.