Duwayne was born on January 31, 1940, in Prairie City, Missouri, the son of Carl Martin Rapp and Paula Christine (Leimer) Rapp. He grew up on the family farm in the Prairie City area, where he attended elementary school at Zion Lutheran School and was later confirmed in 1954. In 1957, his family moved to Appleton City, Missouri, and Duwayne graduated from Appleton City High School with the Class of 1958.
Following his graduation, Duwayne worked with cattle in Kansas for a short time before returning home to Missouri. On August 15, 1958, he married Iola Kreissler, and they were blessed with three children.
Duwayne began his working career with KW Dart Trucking Company and spent a few years hauling milk before joining the Kansas City Fire Department. He found a profound sense of purpose in his career as a firefighter. The fellow firefighters he served alongside became much more than coworkers—they became his “other” family. He deeply valued the people he worked with and was fiercely dedicated to serving those in need. Duwayne ultimately retired with the rank of Captain and remained highly respected and loved by his KCFD brothers and sisters long after his retirement. Even after retiring from the fire department, Duwayne was never one to sit still. He continued working by operating his company D&W that poured and finished decorative concrete. Farming remained an important part of who Duwayne was, reflecting the strong work ethic and dedication he carried throughout his life.
On February 17, 1998, Duwayne married Winnie Thorp. Together, they beautifully blended their families and created a warm and welcoming home. Their “pit” home in rural Appleton City became the heart of countless family gatherings, celebrations, and good times.
Papa Dewey was a man who treasured the simple pleasures of life and, most of all, time spent with family and friends. His family eagerly looked forward to his Saturday night fish fries, wonderful cookouts, exceptional smoked foods, and his “special” pasta sauce. He loved gathering around a table for a good game of cards and if there was music playing, you could count on him to get out on the dance floor and “cut a rug.” He was one heck of a dancer and knew how to have a good time.
An avid fisherman, Duwayne especially enjoyed casting a line in the pits near his home with his children, grands, and great-grands. He also looked forward to his annual summer fly-in fishing trips to Canada, where he chased walleye, pike, and lake trout and made memories that would last a lifetime.
Duwayne was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Victor, Norman, and Jack; two sisters, Bernice Mott and Ardyce Brecko; and one son, Danny.
He is survived by his wife, Winnie; one brother, Dennis (Ruby); and one sister Marylyn Piepmeier; children: Jina Hill (Bill), Jennifer Heiman (Scott), Angela Eiler, Melanie Allwood (Eric), Lance Green (Rebecca), Justin Green, and Tamara Reid; grandchildren: Tiffany Hill-Burkhart (Toby), Nicholas Hill (Becky), Brice Hill (Brad), Abby Ward (Andrew), Heidi Garcia (Nick), Maggie Heiman (Dominic), Andres Heiman, Dalton Rapp (Kelsey), Tanner Phillips-Rapp, Natalie Foland, Chris Foland (Karina), Lauren O’Dell (Daniel), Tiffanie Lester (Corbin), Brittanie DeAngelo (Michael), Courtanie Woods (Nick), Landon Green (Shannon), Lydia Embree (Alli), Lyssa Green (Zach), Kristin Karty, Lane Karty, Estella Green, Jack Green (Rhian), Camille Green, Logan Reid and Ava Oelberg; great-grandchildren: Bryson, Hillsleigh, Raeah, Raeleigh, Renner, Landry, Sullivan, Christopher, Lola, Tyson, Merrick, Eli, Gage, Lexi, Zoe, Max, Morgan, Bethanie, Henry, Jacob, Hayden, Austynn, Leelynd, and Lachlynd; as well as a large and beloved circle of extended family members and dear friends.
Funeral service will be Thursday, August 13, 2026 12:30 - 1:30 pm 213 W 6th St Appleton City, MO 64724