Robert John Raap

Robert (Bob) John Raap

6/10/1934 – 12/4/2018

Bob was born June 10, 1934 in Davenport, IA to Johannes and Grace Raap.  He was their only child.  He graduated from Davenport Central High School and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose University, also in Davenport.  Bob met his true love Terry in 1956 and they were married on March 30, 1957.  They were blessed with three children, a daughter and two sons. Soon after their wedding, Bob was drafted by the US Army and served in Fort Riley, KS and Germany.  Terry joined him in Germany and their daughter was born there.  After his tour of service, Bob began his career as a High School Band Director in the Danville and Williamsburg, IA schools.  His bands received Division I ratings. He was also a Junior High Band Director in the Davenport schools and served as president of the Iowa Bandmasters Association. Bob was a professional musician, playing trumpet with many of the big bands in the 50’s and 60’s.  His music career changed direction in 1969, when he moved his family to western Pennsylvania and became a District Sales Manager for the Selmer Band Instrument Co. In 1982, Bob and Terry moved to Dallas, TX where Bob managed Brook Mays Music, the largest retail music store in the state.  In 1999, he and Terry retired and moved to Montrose, CO.  Bob never really learned how to retire, always working on projects and staying busy.  After a few years, he decided he would really like to teach again, and so began his 13 years of substitute teaching in the Montrose and Olathe Schools.  He truly enjoyed teaching and being involved with the students, as well as working with all the wonderful teachers and staff members throughout the district.

Bob was a life member of the Danville Iowa Masonic Lodge #48, the Montrose Elks #1053, and the Montrose Lions Club.  He enjoyed music, fishing and golf, but his greatest joy was his family.  He dearly loved his wife of 61 years, Terry and all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  The Lord has received a truly wonderful man.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest son, Evan Raap.  He is survived by his wife, Terry, daughter Laurie Palmer and her partner Tammy Yates of Montrose, CO; son Arden Raap of Clinton, OK; grandchildren Christopher (Abbey) Raap of Morton, IL; Brittany (Chase) Crenshaw of Rowlett, TX; Lyndsey (Mark) Morgan of Plano TX; Kelli (Zach) Rohlf of Davenport, IA; Lacy Palmer of Montrose, CO; “Bonus” grandchildren Alyssa Yates of Austin, TX and Taylor Yates of Montrose, CO; great-grandchildren Leah Rohlf and Camden and  Carson Crenshaw; sister-in-law Lee Edwards and brother-in-law Dale (Sarah) Catherall of Montrose, CO; ex-son-in-law Randy Palmer of Savannah, TX and ex-daughter-in-laws Rhonda Raap of Garland TX and Kim Raap of Davenport IA.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned.  The family wishes to thank Dr. Barton, Dr. Kilbourn and the San Juan Cancer Center for their care and kindness. Also, the wonderful nurses, CNA’s and staff at Hope West Hospice. We cannot thank them enough for all they did for Bob and our family.  They are truly caring angels and Bob loved them all.  Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to Hope West, 725 S. 4th Street, Montrose CO  81401.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.