Obituary of A. Vernon Lapps

Dr. A. Vernon Lapps, 81, of Lapps Lane, Mansfield, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2013. He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Marilyn, and daughter, Dr. Amy Bryan of Lock Haven, PA, the pride and joy of his life; sister, Gloria Lovelace, and her husband, Giles of Charleston, SC; Marilyn's brother, William Quartz and wife, Beverly of Pulaski, NY; Marilyn's sister, Carolyn Gosier of Watertown, NY; and several nieces and nephews. Dr. Lapps was a Professor of Communications & Theatre at Mansfield University from 1968 to 2004. Over the years, he served as Herald at Commencement ceremonies, Department Chair, and was active on numerous academic and organizational committees, including the Mansfield University Foundation Board of Directors. In 1981, he produced the first annual Northern Appalachian Storytelling Festival at Mansfield University, which ran for 22 seasons, drawing storytellers and visitors from across the U.S. In 1998, he recorded the King James Version of the New Testament for Kingdom Productions, earning among his friends the nickname "The Voice of God." Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. at Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA. A celebration of life memorial service will follow at 3:00 P.M. at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Lapps' memory may be sent to the Lapps Scholarship, Mansfield University Foundation, Room 524, Mansfield University, Mansfield PA, 16933, or the Mansfield Public Library, 71 N. Main St., Mansfield, PA 16933. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com