Charles Michael Lappan

Charles was born on August 1, 1949, to Peter Ambrose Lappan and Anna Mae Otto Lappan in Princeton, New Jersey.

Charles' education journey led him from Princeton High School class of 67', and Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture/Horticulture. His quest for formal civilian knowledge concluded with a Master's in Public Administration from Pepperdine University and an MBA with an emphasis in Finance from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio.

In 1975, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army as an E4. Later he went to Officer Candidate School as a commissioned Second Lieutenant. It was as Captain during Desert Shield/Storm with the 312th Evac Hospital working with the UK's 7th Engineer Battalion they helped save lives while being 50 miles from the Iraq border. His work for soldiers earned him the Bronze Star Medal. Charles retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army Medical Command at Fort Sam.

Charles' proudest civilian work was with the U.S. Army's teledermatology program. From April 2004 until his retirement in October 2018, he was part of a pioneering team in advancing teledermatology, impacting soldiers across the globe. He contributed to work in 3 textbooks in telemedicine. Charles provided instruction to soldiers (sometimes before deployment) in telehealth and digital photography.

Charles's passion for gardening led him to legume research with the Peace Corps from 1972-74 in the Philippines. While stationed In lagan he met and married his beloved wife, Socorro Agabin in December 1973 at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church. Fifty years later they renewed their vows at the same altar where they professed their everlasting love.

He is survived by his wife Socorro, daughter Sandra Lappan, her husband Michael Lamb and his niece/daughter Girly Agabin. Charles also leaves behind his siblings Anna Mae Caton, Richard Lappan, Robert Lappan, William Lappan and wife Kelly, Gerald Lappan and wife Lorraine, his wife's siblings and a huge extended family from the Cahill, Lappan and Agabin clans including many nieces, nephews, their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Maureen Stevens, and brothers Dan Cahill, Tom Cahill, and Peter Lappan.

As a master photographer, Charles found beauty and memories among family, friends and nature.

There will be a private moment at Ft. Sam National Cemetery with his wife, daughter, son in law and close nearby friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Red Cross, for whom he was an apheresis donor.