Terrence "Terry" William Tapper

Terrence "Terry" William Tapper, 74, of Paw Paw, passed away suddenly Monday, October 9, 2023, at his home. 

He was born February 19, 1949, in Paw Paw, second eldest son of the late John H. Tapper Sr. and Jean Anne (Cavendar) Tapper. 

Terry met the love of his life, Linda Prawat, while in high school. Following high school, he enlisted in the Army and went on to serve during the Vietnam War. While in Vietnam he and Linda continued to correspond through letters. Upon his return from service, Linda was waiting for him and the couple married on January 2, 1971. They started their family and shared a lifelong bond together. Terry never failed to let everyone know that Linda was his best friend. He was very proud of his military service and remained active in the National Guard. Even in recent years, he continued to host gatherings at his home for his combat squad friends from his time in Vietnam. 

Terry was a man of many talents. He was able to get any job done. He taught his children at a young age to pay attention to detail and take care of the obvious. If you ran into Terry in town, he would love to talk about  the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. As he always said, “family and fun are what it is all about.”  He will be remembered for his many unique sayings. No matter where he was or who he was with, it was not uncommon for Terry to walk away with new friends.  

Terry is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Prawat) Tapper, two daughters; Shannon (Kurt) Johnson and Kathryn (Kristy) Scott; one son; Daniel (Amy) Tapper; six grandchildren, Mara and Luke Johnson, Greyson and Harrison Scott, and Henry and Emmy Tapper; seven brothers, John (Linda) Tapper, Tom (Sheryl) Tapper, Bill (Sue) Tapper, Jim (Tammy) Tapper, David (Susan) Tapper, Michael Tapper, and Steve (late Jerri) Tapper; one sister, Julie (late Ted) Gromek; along with many nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to visit on Monday, October 16, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, where a memorial service will commence at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Ron Packer officiating. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Lakeview Foundation of Southwest Michigan Scholarship Fund or The Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 

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