George Elmer Lapp, 82, passed away on August 13, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, hard work, entrepreneurship, and devotion to his family.

George was born on November 20, 1943, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, to Thomas Elmer and Violet Ruth Lapp. He later moved to the United States and, in 1962, joined the U.S. Army, where he served more than 11 years on active duty, rising to the rank of Intelligence Sergeant. George was a member of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), the 82nd Airborne Division, and the 505th Infantry. He was stationed in Würzburg, Germany, and at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and served two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Army Special Forces, known as the Green Berets.

His military decorations included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Presidential Unit Citation.

In 1975, George moved to Texas and began working for Brown & Root. He later went into business with his father, Thomas, and together they founded Lapp Construction, beginning a long career as an independent businessman and entrepreneur. Over the years, George continued to pursue new ventures, including operating a dump truck company and later building and opening Main Street RV Park.

George also had a lifelong enthusiasm for cars and racing. Fueled by his need for speed, he built and opened the Matagorda County Mud Drags in Van Vleck, which remains in operation today. After selling the business, he continued to pursue his passion for restoring cars and became deeply involved in drag racing, along with his stepson Michael. Racing remained an important part of his life, and he was still making plans to race the weekend following his passing.

Of all his accomplishments, George was most proud of his family. He was previously married to Lucinda Lapp, with whom he had two daughters, Angela and Amy. He later shared more than 50 years of his life with his wife, Shirlee, and welcomed her children, Angel and Michael, into his family.

George is survived by his wife, Shirlee Whiteman Gandy Lapp; his daughters, Angela Lapp and Amy Gore, and her husband, Sean Gore; his stepchildren, Angel Rickaway and her husband, Mark Rickaway, and Michael Gandy; his grandchildren, Sydney Young and Jonathan Dukes; and his step-grandchildren, Abigail Rickaway and Joshua Rickaway.

George will be remembered for his strength, independence, work ethic, and devotion to his family. From his years of military service to the businesses he built, he approached life with determination and perseverance. His stories, his example, and the memories he leaves behind will be carried forward by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 23rd at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. George will be laid to rest at Hawley Cemetery.

Those wishing to honor George’s memory may make a memorial contribution in his name to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2438 in Bay City, Texas.