Gene A. Clapper, age 56, of Minerva died Tuesday, April 22, 2008, in his home, following an extended illness.
He was born March 13, 1952, in Canton, to Donald and Katherine (Baxter) Clapper, of Minerva.
Gene retired in 1991 from Wright Patterson Air Force Base, where he was an aircraft mechanic. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a member of Minerva VFW Post No. 4120 the American Legion Post No. 200, in Huber Heights, and Voiture No. 34 of the 40 & 8, in Huber Heights. He was a member of the Christ Memorial Church, in Robertsville, and the Magnolia Drag Racer's Assoc. and the Taipei Rod and Gun Club.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Jo Ann (Diltz) Clapper, whom he married Nov. 17, 1972; a sister, Amy (Jeff) Haines, of Minerva; a brother, Larry Clapper, of Big Canoe, Ga.; niece and nephew, Andrew and Elise Haines; two beloved felines, Parco and Hole Shot.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 26, in the Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home, in Minerva, with the Rev. Jeff Lord officiating. Burial with full military honors was in the Robertsville Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Aultman Hospice.