W. Keith Rapp

"When a ship goes over the horizon, it is not gone. It is just out of sight. And going on another adventure". Judge Keith Rapp entered his next adventure peacefully on Tuesday, August 16th, 2022, at his home with his beloved "Mar" (Mary) by his side. Keith, a man of many a misspelled word, often quoted Thomas Jefferson stating, "I have nothing but contempt for a man who can spell a word in only one way." Much like Jefferson, Keith lived life opposite of 'one way'. He was born in Wheelersburg, OH, May 2, 1934, with little to his name. He and his brother Ronnie together crafted quite a life. He joined the Navy (Beat Army!) in 1951 and felt it was his family. He said it completely changed his life for the better. He served two aircraft carrier tours off the coasts of Korea and Formosa as a Navigator Bombardier (a class of their own). On his retirement from the Naval Reserves in 1994 as a Judge Advocate General Corps Commander (43 years after signing up), he wrote these words: I entered the Navy in September 1951--- I have spoken with those who came around the Horn in coal-fired ships- I have spoken with those who flew with wires and wood and fabric- I have spoken with those who designed and sailed Nukes- I have helped put men on the Moon- I go out this day as the last person authorized to wear COMBAT AIRCREW WINGS earned off the straight decks of carriers off Korea... and I can say for the record: It has been a Magnificent Ride! But the music's over and it's time to go. I now turn over to you - MY Navy! Goodbye, and THANKS for the ride. It was FANTASTIC! Keith utilized his newfound knowledge of the world with the GI Bill attending SWMSU (now Missouri State). He met his first wife Mary Helen (Kris) Kristek Rapp, and they had three children, while moving to various states finally settling on Tulsa as their home to raise the kids. He was an Aerospace Engineer specializing in Guidance Systems. He worked on the Mercury, Apollo, Lunar Landing, and Skylab Projects. He had publications in Engineering and his research in Mathematics. He was an instructor of Sino-Soviet Relations and Atomic/Biological Warfare in the Naval Reserves School. While working as an Engineer, he attended the University of Tulsa to earn a Juris Doctorate, and later, another Master of Law from University of Virginia. In Law School, he was named Outstanding First-Year Law Student, awarded the Scholarship Key, named three times to the Dean's List, and a member of the Tulsa Law Review. After law school, Keith worked as a Public Defender in Tulsa, City Prosecutor in Broken Arrow, Municipal Judge in Bixby, and alternate Municipal Judge for the City of Tulsa. He served the 14th Judicial District as District Judge. He assumed office on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals in 1984. He was named the longest-serving Judge on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals. He said on his last remaining days on this earth, "It was an honor to serve". Keith was a member of the Tulsa County and Oklahoma Bar Associations, as well as holding membership in the Bar Associations of the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. He also served his community as a member of the Tulsa Arts Council Advisory Board. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from SMSU/MSU in 2018, and a Judicial Excellence Award from the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 2016 of which he would show proudly! In 1984, he married his beloved wife Mary Lynn Clanton. They are best known by those around them as philanthropic servants dedicated to their work of helping others. They traveled to many places all over the world, making friends and learning about various cultures, all while collecting antiques. His stories (and shared stone souvenirs...why buy one, when you can get one off the ground) were priceless! More personally, he loved art and was an award-winning Artist. He was self-taught but continued up until a year ago to take Watercolor Classes. He was a generous man. He also made sure to always ask for a veteran's discount. He loved dogs! He was known to sit in the garage and hand out treats to all the neighborhood dogs! He LOVED history! He practically knew it all, from Mesopotamia to Roman History to modern, and we always had such GREAT conversations about Politics (most of us agreed with him). He had an encyclopedic brain, and never stopped learning. He loved books (anyone need any books?) and was a storyteller (most of them true). He was always talking to strangers, engaging in conversations on almost any topic and was a debater in or out of the court. He loved gardening. In fact, once when taking a walk, he discovered a small tree growing in the sidewalk. Taking pity on it, he took it back to his house and planted it. It has become a huge maple tree in his front yard, symbolic of his 'scrappy' attitude to make something out of almost nothing, being frugal, and perhaps representing the Navy saving him in his youth. His grandkids called him the "Mayor of Tulsa", as he couldn't go anywhere without knowing someone. He could fix anything or at least would try. He used his brilliant mind all the time, but he loved to also work with his hands. His high work ethic was exhibited in anything he did! He is preceded in death by his brother Ronald Rapp, and survived by beloved wife, Mary; son, Joe Rapp and his wife, Laura; daughter, Liz Harris; daughter, Kathy Carlsen and her husband, Bill; sister-in-law Lucy Rapp, nine grandchildren (TJ, Sophia, Camden, Katie, Natalie, Audrey, Andrew, James, and Sara); three Great-Grandchildren (Bella, Leon, and Charlie), and his dog, Lily. He will lay to rest at Fort Gibson National Military Cemetery (Fort Gibson, OK) at 11am, Thursday, August 25, where he will be honored for his service to our Country. A reception will follow at Fort Gibson Community Center (200 W Poplar St). --In lieu of flowers, Keith would have loved a donation to "Creek Pet Adoption" (send checks to them at 12 Honeybear Lane, Kellyville, OK 74039). Thanks. We are so proud to have known and been a part of this monumental man's journey. We thank you for your contribution to his life. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com

W. Keith Rapp

May 2, 1934 - August 16, 2022