Ronald Dean Trapp

Reverend Ronald Dean Trapp, age 88, passed away on October 5, 2024, in Georgetown, Texas, and is now resting in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

Ron was born on January 16, 1936, in Aurora, Illinois, to Emil and Beatrice Trapp. He was a graduate of East High School in Aurora, and then attended Taylor University in Upland, Illinois, where he met his future bride, Wilma Jean Jorg of Bluffton Ohio. They married in 1959 after Ron graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Biblical Religion and Wilma received a degree in Music Education (emphasis on piano performance). They relocated to Pasadena, CA where Ron completed studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in 1962 with a Master of Divinity.

After graduation, Ron worked as a youth minister in Palm Springs, California, and during this time their first daughter, Deborah Jean, was born. They moved back to Aurora, Illinois, where Ron worked and went to school. While in Aurora, they welcomed their son, David Mark.

After completing one year at McCormick Theological Seminary in 1967, Ron was ordained by Ottawa Presbytery at his home church, First Presbyterian Church, Aurora, IL. He took his first pastoral job soon after as Assistant Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Belvidere, Illinois.

In 1968, Ron accepted his first pastoral call to Waterman Presbyterian Church in Waterman, Illinois. Their daughter, Diane Michelle, was born shortly after. They served for 10 years in Waterman before moving on to Faith Presbyterian Church in Raytown, Missouri, in 1978, and later to Mason Presbyterian Church, Mason, Ohio in 1987. During these ministry years, Wilma was heavily involved with the music ministry in each church.

While at Mason, Ron helped to lead the merging of two churches into Heritage Presbyterian Church, Mason, Ohio. It was here where Wilma met her heavenly Father in 1999.

In 2001, Ron retired and moved to the Del Webb Sun City retirement community in Georgetown, Texas, where he became an active member of San Gabriel Presbyterian Church, assisting with pulpit supply, pastoral visits, taught Sunday School and Bible Studies, and prepared digital slides for weekly church services.

During retirement, Ron loved golfing, Kiwanis Club activities, high school sporting events, and the latest gadgets. When Ron’s physical abilities declined, he found immense joy with involvement in the Sun City Georgetown Eagles Booster Club, and he attended most high school girls’ basketball, volleyball, and softball games and most football games with many of his booster friends.

For the last 24 years of his life, Ron suffered from a debilitating autoimmune disease that gradually took away his ability to walk. As he transitioned from walking with a cane to riding in a scooter, he continued to drive using hand controls. His determination to find joy in life in the face of continued adversity was evident to all who knew him.

In June 2023, Ron was diagnosed with terminal cancer and entered the Hospice program, moving into a local skilled-nursing facility. He enjoyed frequent visitors from family, church friends, booster friends, and high school and college athletes who he met through the Georgetown High School Athletic Program.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Beatrice Trapp, loving wife, Wilma (Jorg) Trapp, sister Mary (Trapp) Hammond and grandson, Steven Trapp.

Ron is survived by his three children; Deborah (Shawn) Kelley, David (Lisa) Trapp, Diane (Ted) Read; seven grandchildren Laura Kelley, Katie Kelley, Betsy Kelley (Jacob Hunter), Meredith (Casey) Person, Emma Trapp, Aaron Read, and Daniel Read. Ron is also survived by his sister, Joan Platt of Montgomery, Illinois.

Family and friends are invited to attend his memorial service at San Gabriel Presbyterian Church, 5404 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas, on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, financial contributions in Ron’s memory can be made to the San Gabriel Presbyterian Church Cantata Fund.