Last week I had the opportunity to participate in what is probably going to be a once in a lifetime experience.
Shawnee’s Bill Rapp turned 100 years old last Thursday, April 9.
A large group of Shawnee Rotarians, his family and relatives and close friends honored Bill that day.
The group of Rotarians gathered in their cars at the south end of the parking lot that serves the Dollar General, Bigs Lots and Atwoods west of Pottenger Street.
From there, with the assistance of an Oklahoma Highway Patrol escort, we took a brief drive down West Ayre Street to where Bill, his family and close friends were standing in front of some offices west of Atwoods.
As we drove slowly, we began shouting Happy Birthday, honking and waving to the honoree.
He was right there proudly waving back to us.
You could tell he enjoyed it and acted like he was so appreciative.
Our Rotary Club had planned to hold a party to help him celebrate.
But with what is happening presently with COVID-19, we knew that was impossible to do.
Later that evening, though, one of our members through an email vowed that when all of this settles down we will still hold that celebration for Bill.
Bill has been a businessman ever since he returned from serving our country in World War II where he fought in the war in Europe in Germany.
Today, he still is involved in his business and stays active. Bill has been a longtime Shawnee Rotarian. In just looking at him, one would never guess he just turned the century mark.
Each summer, during the International Finals Youth Rodeo, I help coordinate bringing the youth directors to the Rotary Club luncheon the week the world’s richest youth rodeo is in town.
They were sitting at the same table I was and were asking me some questions. One was about ages of some of the members. As they looked around the room I pointed out Bill to them and asked the pair to guess his age.
Neither even came close. One believed he was in his 60s, the other said his 70s.
Their jaws dropped when I told them he was 99 and would turn 100 this month.
Bill is so active and gets around so well that no one thinks of how old he really might be.
That’s a credit to him and what appears the determination he has to live and enjoy life to the fullest.
Congrats, Bill, on turning 100!