Aaron Rapert

SIKESTON - Aaron Esselman Rapert, 79, formerly of Charleston, died at 8:18 p.m. June 16, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

Born Feb. 21, 1926, in Maynard, Ark., son of the late Raymon and Jewell Rapert, he had lived in the Charleston area since 1941, moving to Sikeston in 2003. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he served on the USS Garrard and was involved in the Tokyo Bay landing helping to evacuate prisoners of war. While serving in the Southeast Pacific, he earned the Victory Medal, American Arena Medal, and the Asiatic Theater Ribbon with two battle stars. Upon his return, he served two years with the Missouri National Guard and was employed with the Missouri State Highway Department for 32 years until his retirement in 1990. He was also a member of the Bridges United Methodist Church.

On Dec. 11, 1947, he married Marie Jewell Bailey who preceded him in death on May 8, 2000.

One brother, Bennie L. Rapert, also preceded him in death on Feb. 12, 1999.

Survivors include: five sons, Ronnie Rapert of Sadler, Texas, Allen Rapert of Gainesville, Texas, Bruce Rapert and Rickey Rapert of Sikeston and Denis Rapert of Charleston; one daughter, Brenda Staggs of Sadler; four sisters, Geraldine Thomason of Charleston, Essie Phillips of Glendale, Ariz., Martha Lee Hollis of Sikeston and Virginia Cox of Lafayette, Ind.; and 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston where services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday. The Rev. Bill Meeks, pastor of the First General Baptist Church of Charleston, will officiate.

Burial with full military rites provided by the Missouri Military Honor Guard will follow in the IOOF Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Ronnie Rapert Jr., Glenn Rapert, Justin Rapert, Nathan Rapert, Eric Rapert and Ryon Rapert.