“How can I say thanks, for the things You have done for me?” These lyrics, from the song My Tribute,capture well the heart cry of Vann Owen Trapp, Sr. of Hendersonville, North Carolina. Vann went peacefully to be with his Savior on December 18, 2021. His wife of 59 years, Carolyn, and his five children were privileged to be there during his last days. His room at the Veterans Administration Hospital truly became a sweet sanctuary, filled with worship, prayer, and thanksgiving to God.
Vann was born on August 29, 1934, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, to Marion and Sarah Trapp. Two great discoveries in his teenage years set the course of his life. First, he found eternal life in Jesus Christ when high school friends invited him to attend a service conducted by evangelist Angel Martinez. His second great discovery was that God had blessed him with a rare musical gift, a rich baritone voice that could fill a room and move listeners’ hearts. Vann used this amazing gift all over the world in the service of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Soon after giving his life to Christ, a very special pastor friend named Dr. L. P McClenny (affectionally known as “Doctor Mac”) encouraged Vann to prepare for music ministry at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. MBI would play a huge role throughout Vann’s life. He graduated in 1957, and in time became a teacher, and directed and toured with the Men’s Glee Club (1964-1974). Vann was also very involved in the radio ministry of WMBI; in addition to hosting and performing, he co-created “Fables of Faith,” a children’s program that was eventually translated into numerous languages and broadcast around the world. Through the years, numerous other ministry opportunities would open up from the lifelong friendships he made at MBI.
After graduating from Moody, Vann served briefly in the U.S. Army as a Chaplain’s assistant. Returning home, he resumed preparation for ministry by attending Wheaton College (BA ‘63) and Chicago Musical College (M.Mus. ‘67). It was at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, that he was startled by the words, “Vann Trapp, what are you doing here?” The voice belonged to Carolyn Conrad, a lovely acquaintance from his home church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Carolyn would soon become the love of his life. They were married on September 2, 1962. Together they raised five children, who were Vann’s pride and joy until the end of his life.
Vann’s calling led him to serve as a Minister of Music in churches across the United States—Wisconsin, California, Colorado, Florida, and eventually back to his home state of North Carolina. Wherever God sent them, Vann and Carolyn developed choirs into warm fellowship groups. They embraced virtually anyone who needed a place to fit in (even those whose vocal abilities were meager). Over time this resulted in a web of deep, meaningful relationships across the country, many continuing to the present.
Over the years, God opened up unique opportunities for Vann to use his voice around the world. He performed solo concerts in the U.S. and abroad, was a frequent baritone soloist in oratorios like Handel’s Messiah, andblessed countless friends and loved ones by singing at weddings, funerals, graduations, and dedication events. In his retirement years, when his ability to minister to others began to wane, God richly blessed Vann and Carolyn by surrounding them with the loving community of First Baptist Church, Hendersonville, N.C.
Vann’s big baritone voice, and his even bigger heart, will be deeply missed by everyone who loved him. A fitting way to conclude this celebration is by returning to the lyrics of the song My Tribute, a song Vann sang often. “The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee. To God be the glory …”
Vann is survived by his wife Carolyn, his five children, Christy (Rob) Schade, Vann Jr. (Carrie), Gwen (Brian) Mueller, Mary, and Tad (Susan); 11 grandchildren, Skyler and Dabney Schade, Michael (Kelly) Trapp, Rachel (Rob) Fisher, Katie Trapp, Mandy (Randy) Sharpe, Kimberly (Grant) Furry, Josh (Kim) Mueller, Noah (Meghan) Trapp, Nate (Chloe) Trapp, and Ian Trapp, as well as 7 great-grandchildren, Theo and Piper Furry, Demetrius and Mikko Fisher, Ricky and Rylee Sharpe, and Genevieve Trapp.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Vann Trapp Memorial Scholarship 1609 Leavenworth St, Manhattan KS 66502. This will financially assist students attending the Moody Bible Institute, who, like Vann, hope to serve Jesus Christ and the world through music.