Thomas “Tom” Louis Rapp, Sr.
Summing up 94 years of a remarkable man’s life in a few words is difficult, but we will do our best.
Thomas L. Rapp Sr. was born on August 25, 1931, to Raymond Rapp Sr. and Edith Reybaud in Galveston, Texas. He passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, surrounded by his family. Tom is preceded in death by his loving wife, Rosalie Wason, his parents, and three brothers: Raymond, James and Robert.
The youngest of four boys, Tom attended Kirwin High School in Galveston and subsequently went on to attend Texas A&M University as a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie class of 1953 and earned a Master of Physics in 1955.
While Tom would recall his time in College Station fondly, his greatest joy was his almost fifty-year marriage to his sweetheart Rose, whom he married in 1951. Together, they raised their five children and exemplified the ideals of hard work, service, faith, and love.
Although Tom retired from Union Carbide after thirty years, his retirement was far from quiet as he continued working for another twelve years with his son building homes. He was also a Certified Financial Planner who generously used his knowledge to help others build wealth. He and Rose enjoyed traveling together, exploring new places and making lasting memories. Tom also dedicated much of his time to volunteering with various organizations, continuing his lifelong commitment to service. Whether assisting his children with home projects or helping friends in need, Tom’s generosity and willingness to lend a hand never faded. His retirement was a testament to the values he lived by hard work, kindness, and devotion to others.
Poppie, as he was affectionately known to his grandchildren and great- grandchildren, loved to spend time with his family. His encouragement, support, and love were felt deeply by each one and it is something they will carry with them forever. The greatest gift he gave was his love and wisdom.
Tom is survived by his five children, Tom Jr. (Brenda), Greg (RoseAnn), Teresa (Edward), Russ (Jan), and Jerome (Antonio), seven grandchildren, and eight (soon to be nine) great-grandchildren.
A devout Catholic, he attended daily Mass and faithfully prayed the Holy Rosary until the very end. And when asked how to live a good, long life, he simply answered, “clean living and clear conscience.”
A great void now exists in our hearts, but we find comfort knowing that he is reunited with Rose, dancing and enjoying the loving embrace of our God. And we carry his message in our hearts reminding us that we are blessed, and life is good.
Funeral services for Tom will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 11:00 am with a Rosary starting at 11:30 am and a funeral Mass at 12:00 pm at Shrine of The True Cross Catholic Church, in Dickinson, Texas. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Dickinson, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice and pray the Rosary for Tom’s soul.
The obituary describes Uncle Tom perfectly. He was just a wonderful person and always so caring. Tom is at peace now.
Love, Peggy Rapp
Sending my my condolences to family.
Thank you, Miles. 🤍
-Deanna
We are very sorry for your loss. Uncle Tom and Aunt Rosalie we’re great parents. We had such good times together. He will be greatly missed. Love Tina and Steve
I worked for Tom Rapp at Union Carbide’s Taft, LA chemical plant. He was our Plant Manager, an extraordinarily competent leader and a very fine man. From all accounts he led the type of life — active, loving and giving — I would have expected. He is an inspiration. My sympathy to his many friends and love ones.
Tom was a great man, and I truly enjoyed working with him and talking about UCC and Life in general. A true mans man and a gentleman. God left him on earth a very long time and used him daily. To the family, rejoice in how long God left him on earth, a now he gets to spend his eternity in Heaven. R I P Tom/
Horace Johnson
Our thoughts, prayers, and Love are with the entire Rapp family. Uncle Tom was a very caring and giving man that inspired all those around him. He was a pillar of society with an unyielding faith in God and family. He will be greatly missed. May he rejoice in his reunification with the Love of His Life.
Love,
Mike & Patty Sabo
My condolences to the Rapp family on Mr. Rapp’s passing. My family had many, many good times with the Rapp family. I remember Mr. Rapp being President of the Shrine of the Cross PTA board, serving as a Little League umpire, a lector at True Cross, all while being an involved father/ husband and holding a demanding job. He was a giant in my young eyes.
Tom, Ed Odenwalder, Jim Crowley, Andy Piske, Pete Urbani, Darvin Winick, Tony Pollastrini, Jerry Mitchiner, Jim McBride, Ed Schnake, Joe Sandel, Gene Kranz, and Johnny Sulak , and my own father Joe Molloy, were great, great role models for me and so many young people in our community. They were dedicated to their families and community, and always said yes to help others. All but Gene and Johnny are now gone.
God Bless Tom Rapp and the Rapp family. I will be saying a prayer for all tomorrow.
Thank you Chris for remembering Tom (Dad) (Poppie). He was such a great man.
Tom was one of our plant managers when I was at Taft. He was an exemplary man. Very friendly and understanding. There were tears in my eyes as I read this. Prayers for his family and friends.
We just came across a book “The Mugwort Collection” pre-digital era. Thank you for your kind words and sentiments. The family appreciates it very much.
Tom was an exceptional person, the sweetest, friendliest, and caring person you can meet. I will never forget the impression he left on me during my fidtvdayvas a new hire, he took the time from his busy schedule to make the new kid straight out of school feel welcomed to the UCC family. Rest in peace Tom , and my condolences to his family
Mr. Balamane, the family appreciates your condolences but more so your memories. Thank you so much for taking the time to remember Tom (Poppie). God bless and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Sending my condolences and prayers to him and all the family. Also sending lots of love and hugs.
Thank you for the hugs and prayers, Rae. The family appreciates it so much.