Robert RAPP M.D.

1928 - 2016

RAPP M.D. , Robert
Robert Paul "Bob" Rapp, M.D., 87, a long time Austin physician and devoted musician, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016.

Born September 24, 1928 in Galveston, Texas, Bob was the third of four sons of Edith and Raymond Rapp. Raised in Galveston, he began to play the piano at age seven, and the pipe organ at nine. Bob took great pleasure in playing pipe organs around the world. He graduated as valedictorian from Kerwin High School, received his B.A. from The Rice Institute, his M.S. from the University of Houston, and his M.D. from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. A formative experience as a young adult was the opportunity he had to travel with and assist the author and evangelist Dr. Chester E. Swor.

Bob wed Minnie Jewel Irish "Min" on August 3, 1957 in Center, Texas. The first three years of the Rapps' married life were spent in Weisbaden, Germany where Bob was stationed as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force. While there, they were blessed with two daughters, Beth and Jan. Bob and Min were able to travel throughout Europe during those years. Bob, Min and the girls made their home in Austin in 1961, where Dr. Rapp was a General Practitioner until his retirement in 2007. He delivered more than 1,000 babies and treated untold thousands of patients during his 60 years of practice.

Bob was passionate about music and about playing the pipe organ and the piano. He spent many years as an active member of the American Guild of Organists. He helped his grandchildren and many others to appreciate music. He was fond of writing, reading and teaching Sunday School. Bob found great purpose in interpreting the Bible and helping others discover and love Christ. He was a member of Tarrytown United Methodist Church. Bob was always appreciative of others' talents and abilities and encouraged many new musicians and artists.

He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Beth) Rapp LeBas, married to David L. LeBas and Janice (Jan) Rapp Stovall, married to Mark P. Stovall, all of Austin. He is survived by his brother, Thomas Rapp of Dickinson, Texas. He is survived by his grandchildren, Nicholas Stovall, married to Rob Patterson; Robert LeBas, engaged to Danika Trierweiler; Andrew Stovall, married to Kristin Stovall; and Amy LeBas Tucker, married to Blake Tucker and his great granddaughter Emmaline Tucker.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Raymond and James; and by his wife, Minnie Jewel.

A memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary at Tarrytown United Methodist Church, 2601 Exposition Blvd, Austin, Texas on Monday, June 20, 2016 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Dr. Rapp may be made to the Organ Fund at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1601 S. Georgia, Amarillo, Texas 79102, www.standrewsamarillo.org or to Tarrytown United Methodist Church, www.tarrytownumc.org.

Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.