Rich Lapham, 53, passed away Sept. 13, 2025 at his home in Novi from complications of diabetes.
Rich was born May 7, 1972 at Bixby Hospital in Adrian, the son of Herbert and Norma (Boxrud) Lapham. He grew up in the Gove Court neighborhood alongside his seven siblings and graduated in 1990 from Tecumseh High School. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in Business with a focus on Commerce in 2013 and an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration and Management in 2017, both from Schoolcraft College in Livonia.
Rich was a quiet and introspective soul with a sharp wit and a love of NASCAR, the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Lions, and Detroit Tigers, and was a fan of classic rock since his teen years. His love for all things automotive drove him to positions with Rush Trucking and most recently Ryder Corporation, where he had been employed as a Senior Logistics Analyst on the MOPAR account for the last 14 years.
Rich is survived by his sisters, Rhoda (Tom) May of Wauseon, Renee (Bill) Collins of Raisin Township, Catherine Lapham of Saline, Lisa Heusted of Otisville, Kristin Garrison of Onsted, and Anne Micol of Indianapolis; his brother, John Lapham of Onsted; seven nephews, Michael May of Wauseon, Jeff Collins of Mesa, AZ, Kevin (Abby) Micol and Sean Micol of Indianapolis, Dustin Garrison of Jackson, Chad Heusted and Eric Heusted of Otisville, and Sam Garrison of Onsted; seven nieces, Michelle (Andy) Knipfer of Sussex, Wis., Lisa Watterson of Adrian, Ginger (Todd) Warner of Napoleon, Tiffany (Andy) Newman of Jackson, Aubrey Garrison of Onsted, Meghan Lapham-Hailes of Onsted, and Morgan Lapham-Hailes of East Lansing; several great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Norma, and a sister, Carol Lapham.
The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025 at noon at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Tecumseh, MI with Father Dan Wheeler as Celebrant. Inurnment will follow in Brookside Cemetery, Tecumseh, MI.
Friends may join the family for a time of visitation on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Purse & Son Funeral Home, 210 W. Pottawatamie Street, Tecumseh or on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Tecumseh.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.