Daniel Boy Hapke was born July 8, 1920 in Alva, Oklahoma. He was the youngest child and only son of Henry Bryan and Nora Katherine Baker Hapke, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife of more than 30 years, Margaret Marie Tietz Hapke and three sisters, Buena Vista Hapke, Mildred Opal Hapke Undseth Clark and Pauline Mae Hapke Havlovic. He is survived by his five children and their spouses: Margaret Ann and Max McKee of Hurst, Texas, Daniel Bryan and Mary Kay Hapke of Norman, Oklahoma, Warren Blaine and Gail Hapke of Urbana, Illinois, Kathleen Gail and David Hall of Rowlett, Texas, Sheila Joyce and Thomas Govan of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 16 grandchildren and their spouses and 11 great-grandchildren.
Daniel graduated from Oklahoma A&M College (OSU) in 1943 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He voluntarily enlisted during WWII, serving as a SeaBee officer in the US Navy. He continued service in the Naval Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant. As a Professional Engineer, he worked in civil engineering in Oklahoma and the surrounding states until the 1980s, focusing primarily on structural design. He was proud to have designed some of the bridges west of Oklahoma City along I-40. He continued to show his love of engineering after retiring by teaching at OSU OKC until almost the age of 80.
He was greatly loved and will be missed by his family and friends. He passed away on Saturday, May 1st. He was at peace with his Lord, Jesus Christ, with his family and with his life.
Services will be 11:00 AM Friday May 7, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church of Norman. Burial will be at Spring Creek Cemetery in Oklahoma City, under the direction of Primrose Funeral Service.
The family would like to invite friends to a reception, prior to the funeral service, at 10:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Norman. The family requests that donations be made to the Presbyterian Urban Mission of Oklahoma City.
