Richard W. Paape's Obituary
Richard W. Paape, 94, of Culpeper, Virginia, died on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at his home. Born in Morgan, Minnesota on July 25, 1930, he grew up with five brothers and sisters. Mr. Paape studied economics at American University in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Paape served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, performing duty at several U.S. installations. Following his active duty, he served 26 years in the active U.S. Army Reserves, retiring in 1979 with the rank of Command Sergeant Major.
During his 35 years of work with the Federal Government, he spent his last 30 years in trade promotion work for the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration. He coordinated the activities of a Federal Advisory Committee structure that promoted U.S. exports, working Chairman of an interagency committee for a Presidential recognition program honoring U.S. exporters who succeeded in their export efforts, and served as a liaison with other Commerce Department activities related to selected national defense programs. His work included both domestic and international travel.
Mr. Paape retired in 1985 and moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where he enjoyed golf, working in his community, serving on many church committees and boards, and as a board member of the Horry County Council on Aging. In 2000, he moved to Culpeper, Virginia, and continued his work with senior programs, his church, his community, and his favorite pastime of golf, in which he experienced four holes-in-one.
Mr. Paape was a longtime fan of the Washington Redskins, Capitals and Wizards.
He enjoyed his family and friends and keeping busy his other passion besides golf, with his yard and flowers.
He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Saunders (Jim) of Silver Spring, Maryland; three grandchildren, Alexandra Gibson (Shawn), Ashley Saunders, and Jacob Saunders; his pride and joy great grandson Landon James; and a number of cousins, and his amazing nephews and nieces and church and neighborhood families.
He is preceded in death by Carl and Dora Paape; two brothers, Ronald C. Paape and William R. Paape; and two sisters, Donna Frietag and Audrey Karver and his beloved wife, Elizabeth Paape.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA 22701.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 1100 N Main St, Culpeper, VA 22701 with Rev. Terri Church officiating.
Interment will be private at Culpeper National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's name to St. Luke Lutheran Church or to Hospice of the Piedmont at https://hopva.org/donate-online-now/
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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