Warren Vail Lapham

Warren was born and raised in Dixon, IL. In 1940 he graduated from Dixon High School and entered the Engineering School at Northwestern University. His studies were interrupted by World War II, during which he served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps attached to the Army Air Force as a radar specialist in the Pacific Theater.

In 1947 he married Ruth Elsie Tober. Together they raised a family that grew to include three children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. After nearly 48 years of marriage she proceeded him in death in 1995. In 2000 he married Eleanor Caroline (Socall) Reiher. After 13 years of marriage she died in 2013.

Warren is survived by his children, Edward (Marjorie Sorge) Lapham, Cynthia (James) McGinn and Scott (Marion) Lapham; grandchildren, Warren (Jennifer Thomas) Lapham, Megan (Brandon) Lennox, Colleen (Jay) Kelly, Emily (Nate) Goerge, William (Kelly) Lapham, Ruthann Lapham and Michael Lapham; plus nine great grandchildren and his older sister Julia (the late Joel) Miller. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Kelly McGinn.

He retired from Chrysler Corp. Engineering in 1985 after 35 years of service. Professionally he was a life member of ASM International (the American Society of Materials). Among his community activities, Warren was a scout leader. He also was a past president of the Lutheran Luncheon Club, past commander of American Legion Post 271, board member of the Redford Community War Memorial Association and member of the NU Club of Detroit. He joined Redford Lutheran Church in 1953 and served the congregation in several capacities as an elder, officer and council member, retiring as Elder Chairman Emeritus. Warren will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.

Warren's family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday January 31, 2017 from 5-8 pm and Wednesday February 1, 2017 from 2-8 pm at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd. (east of Newburgh and I-275) in Livonia. His life will be celebrated with a funeral service on Thursday February 2, 2017 at 11 am, with in state 10 am, at Redford Lutheran Church, 22159 Grand River Ave (west of Lahser) in Detroit.

For those who wish to make an donation in Warren's memory the family suggests donations to the church or the American Legion.