Harlan Tappmeyer

1931-2020

Posted

Harlan S. “Tapp” Tappmeyer, 89, Des Peres, passed away Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield.
He was born on Aug. 21, 1931, to August and Alma (Zinn) Tappmeyer, in Owensville.
Harlan loved his growing up years on the farm. He graduated from Owensville High School in 1949 and enjoyed being a member of the boy’s basketball and softball teams. He went on to earn a degree in Agriculture at the University of Missouri - Columbia. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1953-1955 and was stationed in Newfoundland. He served in a communications squadron which also included Greenland, Iceland and Labrador.
After his service, he worked for Ralston Purina in Buffalo, N.Y. It was there he met and married Patricia Darroch on Nov. 12, 1960. They eventually settled in St. Louis. He became a senior vice president in the Farm Credit system after his work with Purina.
He was an active 50 plus year member of the Webster Groves Presbyterian Church. He also loved his work with the Gasconade County Historical Society of which he served on the board for 20 years. He was a proud, recent board member of the Owensville Alumni Association. His love of Mizzou football and basketball continued and he was a devoted Cardinal baseball fan. He and Patti Jo loved traveling to visit family and to enjoy our National Parks. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, cousin, mentor and friend to many and will be dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Alma Tappmeyer; wife, Patricia Tappmeyer; son, Jonathan Tappmeyer and sister, Lorene Tappmeyer.
He is survived by his daughter, Jana Tappmeyer of Kirkwood and brother, Roger Tappmeyer of Owensville.
Visitation will be on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 9-11 a.m. at Gottenstroeter Chapel in Owensville. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel with Pastor Ed Zumwinkel officiating. Burial will be in Owensville City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Gasconade County Historical Society.
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