Raymond E. Tapper

Raymond E. Tapper, 97, of Galesburg, died at 12:42 a.m. Thursday, March 30, 2017 in Seminary Manor.

He was born April 2, 1919, in Ontario Township, the son of Albert W. and Eugena (Volberg) Tapper. He married Shirley M. Gladfelter on July 19, 1947 in Galesburg. She preceded him in death October 10, 1995.

He is survived by a daughter, Jeanne Collier-Lampson (husband Mike) of Galesburg; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Tapper of Lincoln, Illinois; three grandchildren, Julie Haggis (husband Anthony) and Christy Collier of Chicago, and Matt Tapper (fiancé Sydney Welker) of Lincoln; three great grandchildren, Wyatt Kay, Elizabeth, and Maddox; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Alan; a grandson, Cash; a brother, Archie; a sister, Pearl; and a half-sister, Elsie.

Ray was a third shift dispatcher for the Galesburg Police Department for over 20 years. During this same time, he worked at Gale Products for 15 years. He retired in 1982. Ray was a life-long resident of Galesburg, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1939. He was a member of First Christian Church and O.A.K.S. and was a volunteer at the Galesburg Welcome Center.

Ray served in the United States Army for four years during World War II. He was stationed in Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. He was a member and volunteered working the fish fry at Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285 and was a member of the VFW Post 2257. This past September, Ray participated in the Peoria Honor Flight to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 2, 2017 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday at the chapel with Rev. Martha-Jean Fitch officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Ray’s name may be made to First Christian Church, O.A.K.S., or Beacon of Hope Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.