May 2, 1940 - Sept. 2, 2012

ELKHART — Edgar A. "Joe" Rapp Jr., 72, of Elkhart, passed away at 11:35 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012, at Elkhart General Hospital of natural causes.

He was born in Elkhart on May 2, 1940, to the late Edgar A. Rapp Sr. and Waneita F. (Gay) Rapp Smith. He married Margaret W. "Peg" Lemon on Dec. 16, 1967, in Elkhart, where she passed away in March 2011.

Surviving are his children, Chad (Tina) Rapp and Melissa (Chris) Lerner of Elkhart and Matthew (Karla) Rapp of Bradenton, Fla.; brothers Jack (Cletus) Rapp and Gary Rapp, both of Elkhart and the Rev. William "Bill" (Doris) Rapp of Huntington; and 11 grandchildren. Two sisters, Mary and Beverly, survive as well.

Preceding Joe in death were his parents and his wife, Peg.

Visitation will be for two hours prior to the 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012, funeral service at Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart. Military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Air Force and Elkhart DAV Post 19 following the service.

In accordance with Joe's wishes, he will be cremated.

Burial will take place at a later date in Rice Cemetery, Elkhart.

There will be a luncheon, at 1 p.m. before the Thursday service at Elkhart DAV Post 19, 205 Middleton Run Road. All are invited.

Joe served as a shift captain at Station 3 with the Elkhart City Fire Deptartment in a career spanning more than 18 years.

He was a member of the IAFF, DAV Post 19 of Elkhart, American Legion Post 143 of Bristol, Moose Lodge 836 of Goshen and Elks Lodge 798 of Goshen.

He enjoyed woodworking, volunteering within his various organizations and spending time with his grandchildren.

He will be best remembered for his famous wet burritos that he would prepare at his lodge functions.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Elkhart County. Online condolences can reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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