Robert William Tapper Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Robert “Bob” William Tapper.
Bob Tapper, 80, of Hudson, passed away at home on Sunday, September 20, 2020, following an extended illness.
Bob was born in Philadelphia, PA to William and Lucille Schatkowski Tapper on May 5, 1940. At the age of four, his parents bought an old Pennsylvania Dutch farm in Boyertown, PA, where he lived and worked in his parents’ business, Tapper’s Floor Coverings, until leaving for college in Hickory, NC. Throughout his years at Boyertown Area Senior High School, he was 1st chair trumpet in his concert band and played in the renowned Boyertown Area Senior High School Marching Band. Their Superior ratings earned them multiple invitations by the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, to play during halftime shows at home games. That musical passion followed him throughout his years at Lenoir-Rhyne College, playing trumpet in the band, as well as with the Kampus Kats Dance Band. Bob was raised in the oldest German Lutheran church in America, New Hanover Lutheran Church. He later joined the congregation of Hudson United Methodist Church, where he sang tenor in the choir for many years. He also played various horns in the Praise Team during the contemporary worship service. While attending Lenoir-Rhyne College, he met his future bride, the former Elaine Hickman, of Hudson.
Bob and Elaine were married on June 2, 1962, at Hudson United Methodist Church. Bob worked for the Western Steer-Mom ‘N Pop’s Corp. for over 20 years. He was also a scoutmaster of Boy Scouts of America, Troop 241, In Hudson for several years, which has been chartered by Hudson United Methodist Church for more than 70 years. In addition to his wife Elaine H. Tapper, of the home, Bob is survived by three children: Mandy Martin, Becky Boone and husband Tim, Eddie Tapper and wife May, all of Hudson, five grandchildren: Jackson Tapper and wife Savannah, Shelby Tapper, Carmen Boone, Chloe Boone, all of Hudson, and Summer Martin and fiancé Devin Little, of Hickory.
He is also survived by one sister: Judith Lucille Falkenberg and husband Charles, Jr., two nieces: Jennifer Stafford and Kristen Falkenberg, all of Lake Lotawana, MO, and nephew: Charles Falkenberg, III, of Kansas City, MO, one sister in law: Jean Spring and partner Bruce McDonald of Bethesda, MD, two nephews: Charles Spring, III, of Florida and Jeffrey Spring of Maryland.
A graveside service to celebrate Bob’s life and honor his memory will be conducted by the Rev. Holly McKim, of Hudson United Methodist Church, in the Hickman Family Cemetery at 1 O'clock pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2020.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Social Distancing and Face Masks will be required. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hudson United Methodist Church. The Tapper family is pleased to have the professional and caring assistance from Evans Funeral Home to assist the family with arrangements for our loved one.