Edwin H. Rape, 86, of Evans City passed away Thursday at his residence.

Born Jan. 5, 1923, in Butler County, he was the son of late Leslie O. and Mary M. Kiser Rape.

Mr. Rape was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Evans City.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army in Battery D, 204th AAA AW Battalion. He was a member of Harmony-Evans City VFW Post 499.

He began working in what was known as Spithaler's at the age of 16, buying the business in 1966 and changing the name to Evans City Auto Parts. In 1990, he sold the business to his son but still worked in the store.

He was a life member of the NRA and the Evans City Sportsman's Club and was an avid hunter. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle.

Surviving are a daughter, Marjorie K. (David) Carey of Walla Walla, Wash.; a son, James E. (Cindy) Rape of Evans City; his special friend and companion, Barbara Beahm of Evans City; a sister, Mrs. Ruth Wible of Evans City; two grandchildren, Brian M. Natali of Butler and Aaron D. (Shelley) Natali of Evans City; and two great-grandsons, James and Dominic Natali.

He was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.

<B>RAPE</B> — Friends and relatives of Edwin H. Rape, who died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the <B>A. Carl Kinsey-Ronald N. Volz Funeral Home Inc</B>., 328 W. Main St., Evans City. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday from the funeral home with the Rev. David Saylor, his pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Evans City Cemetery.Memorial donations may be made to the VNA Hospice, 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001.Additional information may be obtained at www.kinsey-volzfuneralhome.com.