Archie Lapping's Obituary
Archie Lapping passed away on October 2, 2016, he was 83 years old. He was born in St. Helens in June of 1933 to Walter and Frances Lapping.
Art joined the Merchant Marines at a young age, and then came back to St. Helens where he married his wife, Donna Russell in 1955. Archie and Donna raised all of their children in St. Helens while he worked for Crown Zellerbach for many years, retiring when the Scappoose boom closed down. Afterwards, Archie and Donna established their own business within the St. Helens community, Waterbed Base.
Archie loved to race his car at the old fairgrounds (#60), he loved to fish, hunt, dig for razor clams, and go mushroom picking. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, especially if it meant playing a game of cards and winning. He had many friends all over town and he had a great, booming laugh that will be missed.
Archie is remembered by his daughters: Vicki (Pete) Krenz, Patricia (Dennis) Williams, Jacqueline (Don) Melcher, and Catherine (Bob) Hamilton, as well as 10 grandchildren: Melissa Lapping, Jason (Nikki) Housley, Joshua Housley, Kim (Scott) Bennett, Aimee Krenz, Beth (Jake) Hull, Erik (Caroline) Klem, Kelsey (Craig) Cearley, Michael (Katie) Klem, and Stephen Klem; 9 great-grandchildren: Devon, Emma, James, Seth, Michael, Marissa, Evan, Eleanor and Maddie; siblings: Donna Jean Heikkila, Lester (Louise) Lapping, and Darlene (Don) Burnett.
He was preceded in death by his wife Donna, daughter Francie, father Walter, mother Frances, brothers Sonny, Jim and sister Delores.
A family graveside service will be held at a later date.
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