Douglas Clapper

Douglas Frank Repsher Clapper, age 79, of Laceyville passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, October 17, 2013.

Born July 17, 1934 on Clapper Hill, he is the son of the late Daniel Clapper Sr. and Sylvia (Repsher) Clapper.

He graduated from Laceyville High School as a member of the class of 1952. In school he was a member of The Road Patrol, baseball team, senior dramatics, and yearbook staff.

Doug began helping his father and grandfather on the family farm at an early age; and eventually, along with his father, brother, and nephew made it his livelihood.

He married Virginia "Gin" Kelley on June 19, 1954. Together they have three daughters, Vickie, Shelly, and Joan. Doug found great joy in his family, and especially enjoyed the weekly gathering of the whole family for Sunday dinner.

He is a member of the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church where members recently honored him for his many years of dedicated service to the church's many projects.

Doug is well known in the area for his 54 years of playing country music. Throughout the years he played with various bands such as The Ridge Runners, Donna and the Country Gentlemen, Queen of Hearts, and Northern Harmony. His love of music and talent for playing was passed down to his children and grandchildren. Doug may be even more famous for his sense of humor. He never left home without a joke.

Doug is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gin Clapper; his three daughters, Vickie (Rick) Ellis, Shelly (Steve) Ciprich, Joan (Dan) DeGaramo; grandchildren, Matt (Lori) Ciprich, Meredith (Jared) Sadlowski, Jessi (John) Burgess, Jordy Ellis, Heath, David, and Mitchell DeGaramo; great grandchildren, John and Lola Burgess, Hayden and Ava Sadlowski, Atleigh, Delanie, and Dylan Ciprich; brother, Denny Clapper; sisters Donna Harvey and Madge (Allen) Kershner; sisters-in-law Rita Clapper, Louise Kelley, Marlene Kelley, Linda (Mark) White, Cheryl (Jim) Newhart, Kathy (Jim) Cantone, Deb (Greg Johnson) Dymond; and brothers-in-law Bob (Pat) Kelley, Chancey (Cassie) Kelley, and Dale (Tammy) Kelley.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sib Clapper, father, Daniel Clapper Sr., brother, Dan Clapper Jr., sisters-in-la, Patt Clapper and Denise Kelley, brothers-in-law, Ken Adams, Ed, Charles, Donald and Burleigh Kelley, mother-in-law Frances Kelley, father-in-law Roy Kelley, special niece and "partner in crime," Kathy Adams; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and dear friends.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at the Beaver Meadows United Methodist Church, with Doug's daughter, Vickie Ellis officiating. Interment will follow at the Beaver Meadows Cemetery. Family and friends called at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, on Monday, October 21.

Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com.

Doug's generosity was known to everyone who met him. He has always been the "go-to guy" on the hill to his friends and neighbors. Over the years he organized many benefits for folks in the community, and if he wasn't organizing, he was participating.

To continue his legacy of helping others, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Doug Clapper Memorial Fund. Funds will be shared between The Abbi Brown Family and The Makenzie Vanderpool family.

These two little gals are battling rare and difficult diseases. Three-year old Abbi is battling Leigh's Syndrome (mitochondrial disease). Four-year old Makenzie is just beginning her fight against a newly diagnosed brain tumor.

Checks may be made payable to: Doug Clapper Memorial Fund. They should be sent to: P.S. Bank, P.O. Box 217, Wyalusing, PA 18853.