Don W. Rapier

Don W Rapier 1925 ~ 2008 Don W Rapier, beloved husband, father, grandfather, "opa" and friend, passed away on March 1st, 2008, after a valiant battle with on-going health problems.Don was born the sixth of seven children on August 28, 1925 to Delia and Carrie Sanders Rapier, in Alhambra, California. He grew up in Safford, Arizona where he learned the value of hard work from his father and mother. Don served as a metalsmith in the Navy during World War II. After a serious injury, he was honorably discharged. He then went to BYU where he graduated with a degree in Accounting. After graduation, Don answered the call to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Holland. During that time, he was called to be acting mission president for six months. While in the Missionary Training Center prior to his departure, he met his future wife, Lorna Nilsson, who was preparing to serve a mission in the Great Lakes Mission. After returning from their missions, Don and Lorna were married in the Salt Lake Temple in Nov. of 1952. Don was a hard worker and worked for one company, Sinclair Paint Company, for 33 years. During that time, Don and Lorna raised a family in Brea, California. He dedicated his life to service in the church and served for 16 years as a Stake High Councilman, and five years as a Bishop. After he retired, Don and Lorna served an 18 month mission in Parimaribo, Suriname (formerly Dutch Guyana, South America). Don and Lorna enjoyed traveling with their dear friends, the McDaniels, and have been to many places all over the world. He loved family reunions, and some of his greatest joys in his later years came from spending time and playing with his grandchildren and great-grand-children. Anyone who played card or board games with him found out what a fierce competitor he was. Don is survived by his beloved wife, Lorna, sister, Luella Mangum, sons, Grant (Laura) Rapier, Michael (Kim) Rapier, and daughters, Debi Meidinger, Rochelle (Ken) Symons, Keri (RC) Collett and Carole (Randy) Croxton. His grandchildren, Josh (Tonya) Rapier, Geoff (Jennifer) Rapier, Ellisha (Omar) Mutate, Brandon Rapier, Shane Meidinger, Nikki Meidinger, Scott Symons, Stephanie Symons, Stacy Symons, Samantha Symons, Ryan Knapp, Laura (Chris) Means, Katie Knapp. Great-grandchildren, Justin, Allison, Anna and Abigail Means, and Elias Mutate. Preceded in death by his parents, brothers Arthur, Ray, Loren, Rex, and sister La Vona. The family would like to thank our daughter and sister, Rochelle, for her unselfish and thoughtful care of Don during his illnesses. She saved his life more than once and for that we are very grateful. A viewing will be held on Wed., March 5th from 6-8 p.m. at the Sandy Utah Granite 5th Ward Chapel, 2535 Newcastle Dr., Sandy, Utah. The funeral will be held at the same chapel on Thurs., March 6th, at 12 noon with a viewing prior to the service from 11-11:45 a.m. Interment will be at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park in Bluffdale, Utah. Online condolences may be made at www.larkinmortuary.com