Myron "Bubba" H. Rappeport

Capt. Myron H. Rappeport (US Navy, ret.) of Fort Smith, passed away on November 21, 2018. Affectionately known as Bubba by friends and family, he was born on February 22, 1924 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Eugene and Goldie Rappeport.

Bubba passed away on Thanksgiving Day, which held special meaning to both Bubba and his wife of 70 years, Dot. They were married on Thanksgiving Day in 1947; Bubba’s passing reunites him with the love of his life for eternity.

Bubba loved his country.After lying about his age, his mother subsequently agreed to sign him into the Navy at age 17. He attended Officer Candidate School at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He served on destroyer escorts in the South Pacific during World War II and the Korean Conflict. Following his active duty, Bubba served in the Naval Reserve, where he was one of the youngest officers to be promoted to the rank of Captain. Following his initial duty, Bubba completed his degree in Civil Engineering at Tulane University.

In Fort Smith, Bubba was President of Fort Smith Structural Steel Company. Following the sale of the company in the late 1960’s, he started several successful companies, including a pipe company and a corrugated box company. Bubba was a member of the Noon Exchange Club and the Kiwanis Club. Bubba was a founding member of the Ouachita Wilderness Club which is active today.

Bubba was a loving father who provided his family encouragement and support. He led by example, living in an ethical and forthright manner. While his wife Dot was very active in her own career and in serving the community, Bubba never wavered in his support for Dot providing behind the scenes support and encouragement.

Bubba was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Joe Rappeport of Longview, Texas and his sister Rozan Zidell of Austin, Texas. Survivors include his three children, Steve Rappeport and wife Kelly of Fort Smith, Mike Rappeport and wife Jane of Fort Smith, and daughter Kay Franks and husband Brent Franks of Dallas, Texas. Bubba has two grandsons, Lt. Sam Rappeport of Naples, Italy and Jack Rappeport of Rogers, Arkansas.

Cremation was conducted under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Bubba will be committed at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, November 28. The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on November 28.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Arkansas Chapter, 5506 W. Walsh Lane, Rogers, Arkansas 72758; or Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs, 4905 N. O Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904; or United Way of Fort Smith, P.O. Box 2300, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72902-2300.

To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.