Gary Rogers Clapper's Obituary
Gary Rogers Clapper, 83, passed away Saturday, December18, 2021 at Wm. Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, with his loving children and grandson by his side. Gary was born November 18, 1938 to Gerald and Mamie (Robinson) Clapper in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Hazel Park High School.
Gary enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1956 and honorably served for 5 years. Gary met his beautiful wife Patricia Sue Wilde in 1961 shortly after returning home from the Service. They married in Detroit, Michigan in May of 1962 and were married for 58 wonderful years.
In December, 1964, Gary began is lifetime career in the automotive industry for the Chrysler Corporation. He retired in January, 2000 after 35 years of service. Gary had an incredible work ethic and was considered the go to person for those jobs no one else wanted to do. This was evident by the fact that he worked most of his career on the midnight shift.
Although Gary was a quiet man, you couldn’t help but to respect him. Those who were lucky enough to be close to him knew that they could always depend on him, as he was always willing to help with anything that within his power to do.
Gary had many things that he loved and enjoyed. First and foremost, Gary loved and respected his Country and Flag. In his youth he loved playing his guitar, swimming, dancing and cruising Woodward in his 1957 Corvette. Gary also loved his church, New Beginnings General Baptist Church, and considers his church Brothers and Sisters his second family. His favorite church services were the sermons by his Pastor, Paul Frost, the bible studies and listening to gospel singing. Gary also enjoyed bowling, fishing, reading and watching Tiger baseball and Western, Action and Adventure movies.
Gary was the cherished father of his daughter, Debbie (David) Lengel of Lake Orion, Michigan and sons, David Clapper of Warren, Michigan and Daniel (Stephanie) Clapper of Burlington, North Carolina.
Gary was preceded in death by his loving wife, his oldest son, Gary Wayne Clapper and his parents. Gary is lovingly survived by his grandchildren, Patrick (Angelia) Clapper, Connie (Anthony) Cardillo, Lindsey Lengel, Dustin Clapper and Travis Clapper; sisters, Shirley (Jack) Byrom, Amber Hackett and Sharon Bell; sister-in-law Patsy Wilde; great grandchildren Kierstin, Amberlynn, Lillyanne, Patrick Martin, Jr., Damien and Aiden; and nieces and nephews Paul Byrom, Diane Hayes, Cindy Assell, Cathy Hackett, Curtis Byrom, Laurie Bujno, Leon Wilde and Annette Schmidt.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 27, 2021 from1:00pm until the Funeral Service begins at 2:00pm at New Beginnings General Baptist Church, 950 Gardenia Avenue, Madison Heights, Michigan. A luncheon will be held at the church following the Service.
The Military Funeral Honors Service and Burial will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11:00am. If you wish to attend, please arrive at the cemetery by 10:45am.
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