James F. Traphagen

James F. Traphagen, age 89, of Alliance, died at 6:40 a.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at McKinley Health Center in Canton. He was born January 30, 1918 in Massillon to LaVerne K. and Vivian (Riley) Traphagen. Mr. Traphagen was a 1936 graduate of Massillon High School and received his Bachelors Degree from Mt. Union College in 1941 where he was an Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity member. He was employed as an Assistant Cashier at United National Bank, retiring in 1983 after 37 years and then was affiliated with Traps Sport Center owned by his son. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church since 1946, where he was treasurer for 30 years. He was also a member of BPOE Elks, a Conrad Mason, Alliance Country Club, Charter member of Marlington High School Athletic Booster Club and a member of the Alliance Lions Club for over 40 years. Mr. Traphagen was a Captain in the Army Air Force having served in WWII in the Italian Theater. Survivors include his wife, Gladys M. Urban Traphagen whom he married September 15, 1945; children, David (Velma) Traphagen of Alliance and Deborah Lee (William) Wallace of Des Moines, Iowa; 4 grandchildren, Scott and Jeffrey Traphagen, Jenny Dowil and Julie Chen and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Ruth Henry and Elizabeth Schwartz. A Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, December 22, 2007 at Trinity Episcopal Church with Rev. Karin Himstedt officiating. Friends may call 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Salvation Army. Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, Alliance Ohio.