Raymond Clapper

Ray passed away peacefully on October 19, 2021, in Portage, MI after a short battle with cancer. He was born on December 16, 1952, in Plainwell, MI, to Mark (Fred) and Patricia (Marsh) Clapper. Ray resided in Portage, MI with his wife, Judith George Clapper whom he met in 2000. Ray graduated from Plainwell High School in 1971. When he was a senior, he was one of sixteen classmates involved in the first Plainwell High School's student-built home. He was an avid Plainwell Trojan football player, #51 and even after graduation he followed the team for years even attending many of their games, especially when they played Otsego. He was a member of 1970 Wolverine Conference All-Star Football Teams. He played semi-pro football for the Shreveport, LA Steamers, #73. In 1988 he coached a little league softball team sponsored by Jif-E-Mart. After graduation, he served in the Marine Corps. from 1972-1976. He was stationed in Quantico, Va. and served his time with the HMX-1 Helicopter Squadron responsible for the transportation of the President and Vice President of the United Sates, heads of state, Department of Defense officials and other VIPs as directed by the Marine Corps and White House Military Office. He was promoted to Sergeant and was Military Police. He received many metals including the Presidential Service Badge. He told many interesting stories and was proud of his time in the military. After the service, he moved to Louisiana and worked offshore oil rigs for several years. He returned to Michigan where he enjoyed working the trades. He worked for various construction companies and started Ray Clapper Framing and built many homes in southwest Michigan. Ray worked for Callander Commercial as Maintenance Technician. He enjoyed his job and looked forward to going to work every day. Ray loved to tell stories about his football and USMC service. He especially enjoyed watching the old black and white westerns, and sports on TV and the History Channel. He was especially good at Jeopardy. He was a jokester, had many "Rayisms" as well as a great sense of humor. He loved all animals and especially his dogs throughout his life. He never knew a stranger and was warm and welcoming to all. His family and friends will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, several aunts, and uncles. In addition to his wife who was the love of his life, he is survived by three sisters Della (Warren) Hawley, Marcella (Mike) Eidson, Mary (Tom) Hudson, one brother Emory (Karen) Clapper, several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life gathering will be held at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI. 49009 on Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 1:00-3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's memory can be directed to See Me Home-Senior Dog Sanctuary via mail at 25019 Featherstone Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091; via PayPal at https://www.paypal.me/seemehome or via credit/debit card by calling King Veterinary Clinic at 260-463-7005. To view Ray's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com