Donald Trapp

Donald L Trapp, originally of Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on May 25^th, 2023 in Sun City, AZ. Donald was born in Peoria, IL on August 21, 1929 to Mary Trapp and raised by Ray and Mary Trapp.

Don met the love of his life Shirley Palik-Trapp and was happily married for 62 years until Shirley’s passing last February.  Don served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in a variety of locations including Hawaii and Okinawa. As a Draftsman in the military, Don supported the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and completed design work on the F-111 Aircraft. Following his career in the military, Don continued working as a Draftsman. One significant change that he made for his family was to relocate from Australia to California. This move included living on a small farm and he quickly embodied the lifestyle and began raising chickens, pigs and milk cows for the family.

Don enjoyed a variety of sports activities including bowling, lawn bowling and bocce ball. He participated in the Senior Olympics for Lawn Bowling and bowled a perfect 300 game in bowling as well! Don enjoyed card games, whether it was card games in Las Vegas or Laughlin, cards with friends and family, or playing Cribbage with the local cribbage group. He was competitive and did not like losing. Don also got great enjoyment with embarrassing his kids, and he never seemed to run out of ideas. He was the “OG” of embarrassing dads.

Don was also a lifetime artisan. He has created beautiful ceramic art, latch hook wall hangings, Christmas décor and ornaments, rhinestone garments, and leather belts and wallets. He also used his handi-work to create tools, storage racks and shelving, and a variety of other items for daily use.

Don will be missed by his family. Those left to cherish his memory include his five children Kevin, Sandra, Sharon, Susan and Sylvia, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.