Harry K. Papps

Harry K. Papps was born February 6, 1925, at Gypsum, Kansas. He was the son of Peter K. and Harrieta (Jennings)Papps. In 1945, he moved to Emporia, Kansas, moving to Salida, Colorado in 1990. In 1993, he moved to Ottawa, in Franklin County, Kansas, where he made his home until his death Wednesday, January 14, 2004, at the age of seventy-eight years. Harry attended high school in Bushong, Kansas, before entering the Army. He was drafted in the United States Army during World War II. He trained at Camp Beale, California, before going to Germany with the 273rd Artillery Division. He served in the European Theater and received medals and commendations including a Silver Star for gallantry in action; four Battle Bronze Stars; National Defense and Good Conduct Medals. In 1945, he drove for General George Patton. He received a Purple Heart for his wounds in battle in Germany. He was discharged as a Technician 5 in late 1945. He was employed by Southwestern Bell as a switchman for forty years, retiring in 1986. Mr. Papps was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901, Ottawa; Lowry-Funston Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #1980, Emporia; life member of American Legion Post #5 of Emporia; Past Master of Emporia Masonic Lodge #12, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons; Arab Shrine Temple, Topeka; former member of Arab Shrine Mini-T Unit, Emporia; life member of Southwestern Bell Pioneers and Citizens Watch of Ottawa. He also donated 200 units of blood to the Red Cross, mostly in Lyon County. In 1945, Harry was united in marriage with Wilma Jean Hunt. They were married forty-two years, until her death in September of 1986. On February 14, 1987, Harry was united in marriage with Shirley (Cramer) Eubank. She survives of their home. He is also survived by three sons, Eddie Papps and his wife, Sharon, of Williamsburg, VA, John Papps of Overland Park, KS, Jeff Eubank of Emporia, KS; daughter, Dee Ann Irons of Wichita, KS; brother, George Papps and his wife, Dee, of Garnett, KS; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Peter Papps, Chris Papps; and sister, Margaret Gordon. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa, 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2004. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 Saturday afternoon at Evergreen Cemetery in Emporia, with masonic services by Emporia Masonic Lodge #12, A.F. & A.M., and military services by Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #1980, and American Legion Post #5, of Emporia. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Pastor Duane Pedrow. IN STATE: Mr. Papps will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 5:00 p.m. Thursday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7 to 8:00 Friday evening. CEMETERY: Evergreen Cemetery, Hwy. 99, Emporia, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Ransom Memorial Hospital Building Fund and/or Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.