"Trapper John" Tapley

"Trapper John" Tapley, 74, of Hutsonville, IL, died on March 9, 2021, in the comfort of his home. He was born on January 10, 1947, in Grand Chain, IL, the son of Lewis F. & Edna (Inman) Tapley. Story goes that they didn't have anything else to give the newborn, so the first thing to touch his lips was coffee with creamer! He grew up in the Joliet area and New Grand Chain, IL, and was a 1965 graduate of Minooka Community High School. Soon after, he got on with Caterpillar, where he worked as a machinist for 30 years before retiring in 1995 at the age of 48 years old. At this point in his life, he moved to Hutsonville, where he moved into a cabin on the Wabash River. Here, he became something of a local celebrity, to the point that he starred in the History Channel series "Rivermen", a show that chronicled those who work tirelessly to survive the frequent challenges and grave dangers of life on the water. And where did Trapper find life, if not "on the water"? Though he made a life for himself on the Wabash, Embarras, Saline, and Ohio Rivers for nearly 60 years, it was evident that he found fulfillment in the relationships he built there. Anyone fortunate enough to know him could attest to the man's giftedness in music, cooking, and especially in storytelling. His tales were full of...color...and a whole bunch of humor! In fact, Trapper's 74 years were characterized by laughter and joy. They were also marked by a sense of wanderlust, as the man had backpacked and camped in Montana, Colorado, Minnesota, and even Nova Scotia. Trapper made each of these adventures and countless others into stories that now live on in the hearts of those who loved him. We are thankful not only to have known him but also to have been given a picture of what life looks like when it's lived in full. After all, it's not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years! He is survived by his daughters & sons-in-law, Frankie Sue & Tim Williams, Francie Lou & Jeff Shaffer, and Karina Armstrong; by his grandkids & their spouses, Lucas & Renee Williams, Cody & Ashley Armstrong, Kala Armstrong & Vincent Fier; by his great-grandkids, Paycie Dunlap, Ava Armstrong, Leo Williams, Lilly Williams, and Kayden Fier; by his former wife and dear friend, Karen Tapley; by his significant other and best friend, Rhonda Dellinger; by his sister & brother-in-law, Minnie & Tim Ahdendt; as well as countless beloved friends and neighbors. Friends and family are invited to gather from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 21st, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Under Phase 4 Mitigations, public attendance is allowed, but only up to 50 attendees at a time. Thusly, social distancing measures will be in place, and it will be required that all visitors wear face coverings while in the building. Following the visitation, all are invited to the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549 for a dinner. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Illinois Conservation Foundation", to help provide quality outdoor and conservation education programs that instill a life-long interest in conservation, outdoor recreation, and sustainability. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.