Obituary for Harry Tapp

Harry Lee Tapp, Jr., longtime Ponca City builder passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at the VA Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK. He was 94.

Lee was born September 29, 1920 to Harry Lee Tapp, Sr and Nellie Ruth (Wittmer) Tapp in Ponca City. He was the oldest of two boys and six girls. Growing up, the family lived in Osage County where they farmed. He loved to tell stories of those early days in Osage County rich with farming, oil, Indian PowWows and the occasional Gypsy bands coming through. He attended McCord school, quitting after the eighth grade to work on the family farm.

He joined the Army Air Corp at the age of 21. He served in Enid at Vance Air Force base as an MP and later served during World War II as an airplane mechanic on B52 Bombers in Seattle, WA.

Before leaving to serve his country, he had sold all his cattle to his parents and bought land. When he returned from his tour of duty, he began a building and developing career which would span 40 years.

On December 8, 1946 he married Vonceil McClendon of Ponca City after a 6 month courtship. He said he knew right away that she was “the One”. And she was – they were devoted to one another their 67 years of marriage. They had three daughters, Mary Kathleen, Joyce Elaine and Leanna Beth.

He loved the building industry. He believed in quality and affordability. He built over 400 homes in the Ponca City area. He served as Secretary to the Oklahoma State Homebuilders Association, as well as, several terms as President of the local chapter. He made several trips to Washington, DC as an advocate of the impact that homebuilding has on local economies during some of our country’s toughest economic times. His work was a testimony to his beliefs. He exemplified honesty, fairness and integrity in all his endeavors.

He also served his city and community by serving on various City Planning and Development Committees, his input being sought on some major City developments. He also served his church home, First Baptist Church of Ponca City for 67 years. Again, participating on building committees and projects.

But the love and joy of his life was his family. He faithfully loved his wife, Vonceil. She was his best friend and business partner for their 67 years. He was so proud and spoke often of his three daughters and their varied talents and accomplishments through the years. His desire was that they marry “good” men and that desire was met in his three sons-in law, Thomas Tucker, Charles Hester and Charles Van Cleave. He delighted in his grandchildren – each being so very special to him. He loved spending time with his siblings and their spouses – they bagan “family” campouts every other year – traveling the US. He considered himself a rich man because of these loving relationships. They consider themselves rich because of the unconditional love and godly influence lavished on them.

He is survived by this wife, Vonceil; their three daughters Mary Kathleen and husband, Thomas Tucker of Choctaw, Joyce Elaine and husband Charles Hester of Apollo Beach, FL and Leanna (Lana) Beth and husband Charles Van Cleave of Ponca City. His sisters, Letty and her husband Don Bell of Flower Mound, TX; Collene and her husband, Aaron Linebarger of Lewisville, TX and Joanne Fopma of Pasadena, CA; six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren (and one on the way!) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ruth Tapp, sister Francis and brother-in-law, Leo Schieldhauer; brother Bill and sister-in-law Dellie Tapp; sister Edith and brother-in-law Leonard Larsen; sister Betty and brother-in-law Bill Elliot and brother-in-law Ralph Fopma.

The funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 1:00. The family will be at the home of Lana and Chuck Van Cleave, 126 Whitworth Ave, Ponca City, OK.

Source: Trout Funeral Home