Clarence Clapp

My Life Story Clarence, Elton Clapp, 88 of Stayton, much loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on October 2, 2014 at home with his family at his side. Clarence was born March 7, 1926 in Meridian, ID to Elton C. and Emily (Wickham) Clapp. The family later welcomed a daughter, Neta Mae. Clarence was raised in Meridian and attended Meridian schools. He joined the Navy in 1944 and served in the South Pacific during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Meridian where he purchased a milk route, hauling milk to the Meridian Creamery, beginning his career in contract trucking. On October 8, 1950, Clarence married Dorothy Bridge. Clarence and Dorothy had four children, Linda, Susan, Carol and Michael. The family resided in Nyssa, OR where Clarence operated a milk route and farmed. Clarence sold his route in Nyssa and purchased a bulk tank operation in the Willamette Valley, hauling milk to Curly’s Dairy in Salem. Using the philosophy of “You can’t make money on an empty truck”, throughout his career he also hauled apples, wheat, corn silage, dynamite, potatoes, lumber, dairy products and soy sauce. He retired from trucking in 2001. Clarence enjoyed spending time with family, traveling and his hobby of collecting clocks. He and Dorothy traveled around the United States, Europe and Australia, sometimes including family members in their adventures. Clarence is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy; four children, Linda (Jim) Sandner of Alpine, WY, Susan (Lee) Barton of Nyssa, OR, Carol Maison of Stayton and Michael (Nelle) Clapp of Portland; 10 grandchildren, Jered, Justin, Laurel, Zacharie, Denny, Michael, Abi, Lee, Sahalie, Claire and 6 great-grandchildren, Keely, Logan, Haylen, Keleah, Nehemiah and Elliot, a niece Emily (Charles) Sims, nephew Raymond (Betty) Wiley and daughter abroad, Anne Stievenart of France. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and a granddaughter, Lannea. Viewing and visitation will be held at the Stayton Christian Church in Stayton from 5-8 pm on Tuesday, October 7. Interment will be held at Meridian Cemetery, Meridian, ID. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to your favorite charity. The family wants to thank Dr. Degner, Dr. Jacques, Dr. McGreevy, and the staff at Santiam Hospital for their care as well as Mary and Brandi of Hospice Care of the Northwest for their kindness.