William F. Rapes

Memorial service was held Saturday, July 14, at Hudson Wesleyan Church, with burial at Leonardson Cemetery, at Pittsford, Mich.; visitation was held Friday, July 13, at Eagle Funeral Home in Hudson, Mich.

William F. Rapes, 73, of rural Pittsford, Michigan, died unexpectedly Monday, July 9 (2018) the result of an automobile accident in Springfield Township, Williams County, Ohio. Born June 18, 1945, in Niles, Michigan, he was the son of the late Louis Joe and Ellen Elaine (Joslin) Rapes.

In his youth, Bill moved to Arkansas with his family where they started a farm. It was there where he met the love of his life, Donna Marie Methvin. They married on Aug. 30, 1965, in Harrison, and she recently preceded him in death on Feb. 2, 2017.

Bill and Donna made their home near Pittsford, where they would raise their family. Bill was employed as a truck driver employed with Bob Evans in Hillsdale, Michigan, until his retirement in 2013. In retirement, he worked part-time as a deliveryman for Hillsdale County Meats near Waldron, Michigan.

Bill enjoyed traveling, and he and Donna took pleasure in many vacations across the state of Michigan as well as frequent trips back to their roots in Arkansas. He was a proud lawn keeper, and loved to mow his yard. Most especially, he enjoyed the blessings of his family, notably his cherished grandchildren.

Surviving are his children, Bruce (Melissa) Repesh of Holland, Michigan, and Jennifer Langston of Pittsford; two sisters, Anne Brisco of Harrison and Sue (Roger) Gregory of Cassville, Missouri; and his five grandchildren, Frank, Taylor, Ashleigh, Anna and Katie.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Rapes.

The family received friends for a visitation Friday, July 13, at the Eagle Funeral Home in Hudson, Michigan. A memorial service was held for William Saturday, July 14, at the Hudson Wesleyan Church with Pastor Wes Rowan officiating. Bill and Donna were laid to rest together following the service at the Leonardson Cemetery in Pittsford.

Memorial contributions in honor of Bill are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.