H. Grant Lappin Jr.

H. Grant Lappin, Jr., 86, died peacefully May 17, 2014, after a long illness. He was surrounded by loving family and in his home where he could overlook all of Houston. Grant often said of his life: “I am the world’s luckiest man,” and indeed he led a fascinating life, always with his characteristic positive outlook and zest for experiences and people.

Grant was born in Sewanee, TN, Aug. 12, 1927, the oldest of eight. At 16, he persuaded his mother to sign his WWII enlistment papers. Serving with the Naval Amphibious Force as a Gunnery Sergeant – a rank awarded for “superior intelligence, reliability, and mechanical knowledge” -- he made 19 landings on enemy islands in the Pacific Arena before his landing craft was hit. With bomb residue throughout his body, he spent two years in Marine and VA hospitals, and had a lifelong disability.

Grant was a pioneer in the accounts receivable industry, creating online services, insurance-claim processing and billing operations. He founded Accounts Management Corp., in St. Louis, serving medical providers and later expanding to banking, retail, and oil and taxing authorities. In 1965, he moved family and headquarters to Houston, growing the company into a multi-million dollar corporation with offices throughout the Southeast and Southwest. After 30 years, he sold the company to a subsidiary of Computer Sciences Corp.

Grant served on the boards of his industry’s state and national trade associations, and was president of the National Consumer Finance Association. Community service included eight years on the Texas Dental Accreditation Board and Board Chair of Sweetwater Country Club, where he indulged in his life-long passion for golf.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sande Badgley, whom he married Nov. 21, 1987, at St. Anne’s; children, Stephen Lappin and wife, Ginny; Janice Lappin Russell; Mark Lappin and wife, Dorothy “Sissy”; eight grandchildren: Tracy Lappin Winter, Thomas Lappin, Sun McColgin, Elizabeth McColgin, Heather Dial, Emma Russell, Leah Lappin, Nicholas Lappin; six great-grandchildren: West and Richard Winter, Tallulah and Runa Dorothea McColgin, Keegan and Madison Dial; his siblings David and Michael Lappin and Mary Ann Immer, and a large extended family. Grant is also survived by nephew, Joshua Badgley, great-niece, Charlotte Badgley, and sister-in-law, Pat Rynning Bertotti, all of whom he tenderly took care. He was preceded in death by first wife, Dorothy Rynning Lappin; parents, Mattie Ann and Haskell G. Lappin; and brothers Frank, Kenneth, James and Donald.

There will be a visitation from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a vigil service 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m., Thursday May 22, 2014 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Rd. The Rite of Committal will be at Memorial Oaks Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice.