William G. Lapham Sr.
1934 - 2016
William G. Lapham Sr.
1934 - 2016
Obituary
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William Lapham Obituary
West Des Moines
William Gaius Lapham, Sr., 82, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, due to complications of kidney failure.
Bill was born February 2, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Gauis and Elsie (Sparks) Lapham. Bill was a 1952 graduate of Lincoln High School. During his football career at Lincoln, he was a two-time All-Conference and All-City selection. During his senior year he was also selected first team All-State. He went on to play football for the University of Iowa.
In 1958, he was a two-way starter on the Hawkeye team that won the Big Ten Championship. That team was ranked #1 in the Nation and also went on to win the Rose Bowl. Bill was selected to the All-Big Ten team as a center, and also received recognition on the All-Big Ten Scholastic team.
After his senior season, Bill was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. Bill joined the Eagles and was a member of the team that defeated Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers for the 1960 World Championship. In 1961, Bill was traded to a new expansion team, the Minnesota Vikings, where his career was cut short by a knee injury.
Prior to his college experience, Bill served in the United States Air Force. During this time he was stationed in Colorado, he met his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth (Morris) Lapham. After Bill's knee injury, they returned to Des Moines to start their family. Bill became a successful businessman and was a member of the Des Moines Transportation Club. Bill and Elizabeth were members of Park Avenue Presbyterian Church. Bill was very active and most loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his lifelong friend, Delores Horton; children, Amy (Jeromy Lunde) Lapham, Dr. Susan (Jeff) Hornback, and Bill (Jaimee) Lapham; grandchildren, Zoe, Sadie, Carter, Maya, Lily, Henry, Kate, Ben, Nick, Chris, and Kylee; as well as many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth (Morris) Lapham; parents, Gauis and Elsie Lapham; and his grandson, Nathan.
There will be a celebration of life at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th St., Des Moines from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11, 2016. There will be a private family burial at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Taylor House Hospice. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Marcus Cary
September 18, 2017
I just found out about Bill's passing over the weekend. Bill and I worked together back in the late 80's, with Gross Common Carrier. I remember I hired Bill to cover Iowa for us. He was truly a wonderful man. I lost touch after I left the company, but never forgot Bill. I so enjoyed our travels together in Iowa and still remember the minor league baseball game he took me to. Sorry for delayed response, my thoughts are with his family.
Barbara Crock
November 12, 2016
Bill was the cousin we always looked for at the Sparks family reunion with my mom, Della, and dad, Jim. We loved Aunt Elsie, loved getting teased by Bill and found his kids to be progressive and inspiring. As the Crock familly, we all looked up to him and you. I will remember Bill as the big and gentle family leader and friend. Blessings to you all. With great gratitude for the opportunity to know and share in his life...- Barb Crock, Granddaughter of Clyde and Genevieve Sparks, daughter of Jim and Della Crock
Roger & Karen Britt
November 11, 2016
Growing up in the south side of Des Moines,( being a shirt-tail relative of the Laphams?) All of our families grew up togther. Laphams, Sparks, Riggles, Evans, Wyckoffs, McCoys, Wrights,etc. the memory of going to watch him play in Iowa City, memories of excitement for him to go to Rose Bowl - South Des Moines was ecstatic. We all contributed money to get him a Movie Camera for the Rose Bowl at Connie & Lou's Drive in (by airport) most of our families went to the Rose Bowl. He was a great person, always friendly, fun to be around and loved his family. He was a legend in South Des Moines & will always be in our memories..Everyone had so much respect for him....See you in Heaven Bill. Our condolences to all the family. (Karen Evans)
Jim Deets
November 11, 2016
Sorry to hear the sad news.We met in 3rd grade and have been friends every since.Had a lot of good times over the years and I have lots of great memories.
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November 11, 2016
Amy, Susan, and Bill: so very sorry to learn of your dad's death. Your parents and ours (Darrell and Bev Craig) had many memorable times together, including ER visits for stitches and other things! Deeply saddened but know he is at peace. You are in our family's prayers.
Carrie Whitacre
June Rizzuti
November 10, 2016
A very nice man.
Kenny Wolf
November 10, 2016
Met Bill, because of Dave Parkins, Gosh we had so many great conversations over coffee. My sympathy to the family. Go Hawks
Deb Davidson
November 10, 2016
Lapham family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I remember all the fun times when my parents (Larry & Carol Sargent) and Bill & Liz; or our families got together. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb (Sargent) Davidson
John Cisna
November 10, 2016
So sorry to lose my dear friend. He will be missed and it won't be the same without our telephone updates. So sorry I am having outpatient surgery today and will not be able to come for the celebration of Bill's life. Peace and comfort to all.
Linda Berry
November 10, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear this. My heart is with your family. Love, Linda Berry
Natalie (Rush) Phelps
November 10, 2016
Sue,
So sorry for your families loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Larry Ford
November 10, 2016
Great fb player. I was in athletic Dept. when Bill played for the Hawks. Good friend and great human. May Glod bless!
Lonnie White
November 9, 2016
Sorry for your loss jamie and amber sending healing prayers to u and your family love Lonnie white
Avery Rowling
November 9, 2016
You are in our thoughts and Prayers
Steve Burson
November 9, 2016
Susan and Amy,
I am so sorry for your loss and I know what you're going through. Sending my thoughts and prayers
Mike Gillespie
November 9, 2016
Very sorry for The Lapham family, I have fond memories of meeting Mr Lapham, my thoughts are with you all..
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