William Barnett Clapp

1933 - 2021

William Barnett Clapp, 88, of Metairie, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at the home of family on April 21, 2021. Having been born in Gretna, Louisiana, on March 12, 1933, and having lived in Terrytown for over 45 years, Bill, or "Pops" as most family and friends knew him, lived a long and happy life. He grew up in a large family with six other siblings including Bobby, his twin brother (and partner-in-crime). Pops graduated from Bay High School in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, and, after two years at a junior college, graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. He worked as a salesman for most of his life and made anyone with whom he had contact a happier person. When anyone asked Pops how he was doing, he always responded by saying that "If I were any better, I couldn't stand it." Additionally, he loved music and sang for many years in the Gretna United Methodist Church choir where he worshipped and, in later years, in the St. Angela Merici Catholic Church choir. He also never hesitated to belt out a song whether it be the national anthem at a football game or to entertain others at senior homes and elsewhere in the community. Pops demonstrated skill as an artist throughout his life rendering posters, greeting cards and other artwork. His famous (or infamous) "Clapp wrap" with drawings and cartoons covering gifts to family and friends personalized each person's birthday, anniversary, or other important event. Although he attended the University of Southern Mississippi, Pops remained an ardent Louisiana State University fan rarely being seen without LSU apparel except when he donned a Saints jersey with his grandson's number. Moreover, Pops loved all his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to cheer for and support them whether in high school at Brother Martin, Cabrini and Jesuit or in college. Pops will be missed by all who knew him as he truly represented a person who made the world a better place to live. Pops was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Polk Clapp; mother, Ines Hasling Clapp; sisters, Alice Clapp Stumpf, Ellen Clapp Dickey, Eunice Clapp Dean and Jerry Clapp Leftwich; and, his brother, John Thomas Clapp. Pops is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Verna Bottiglia Clapp, his twin brother, Robert B. Clapp, his children and their spouses, Lauren (Mel) Leveque, Thomas P. (Heather) Clapp and Leslie (Ken) Klemm, and his grandchildren, Marcel E. "Trey" Leveque, III, Adam Leveque, Justin Leveque, Lauren Klemm, Nicholas Klemm, William B. (Elizabeth) Clapp, II, Jacob Clapp, Matthew Clapp, and Michael Clapp. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at 12:00 noon, at the United Gretna Methodist Church, 1309 Whitney Avenue, Gretna, LA 70056. Interment will follow the service at Westlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum next to the church. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the United Gretna Methodist Church. Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124 is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the Clapp family tribute book, please visit (https://www.greenwoodfh.com).