Richard Marvin Clapp

Richard (Dick) Marvin Clapp age 92, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at his bedside, just days before his 93rd birthday.

Born in Almena Township in Paw Paw, Michigan on June 20, 1932, as a very fragile premature baby, Dick grew into a very tall, strong and proud man. He was a hardworking man who spent most of his life as a forklift driver, working in the James River paper mill. He was also a painter for a short time at Checker Cab in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was known for his incredible work ethic and even more so for his stories-especially those about the many jobs he held and the cars he loved over the years.

Dick loved many hobbies and had a very adventurous spirit. He was an avid bowler, golfer, fisherman and snowmobiler with the Allegan County Snowmobile Club. He loved boating, water skiing, swimming, socializing and tinkering with tools and projects. He was never happier than when he could take family or friends on “a little putsy around the lake!” After retiring, he spent 35 treasured years on Longlake, Cloverdale in Delton, Michigan, a place that brought him immense peace and joy. Winters were spent in Punta Gorda and New Port Richey, Florida, embracing sunshine and relaxation. He loved being on the beach and collecting shark teeth, while participating in any fun that came his way.

He found great happiness in travel and camping with his beloved wife, Joyce (Nee Briggs), a sense of pride in being a Scout leader for his son, Keith when he was a boy scout and even greater delight in sharing travel, theme parks and water slides with his grandchildren. Coming down a fast waterslide would make him smile ear to ear and yell, “Wah hoo!”

In retirement, he volunteered generously with the Delton Moose Lodge and Lions Club, always ready to lend a helping hand. Dick was the kind of man who showed up. Pitched in, and made people smile.

He was a true family man-devoted, loving, and proud. As his grandson mentioned, “Like Superman”. His heart and strength, belonged to his family, and his eyes always lit up when surrounded by them. His kindness, quiet strength, and unforgettable smile will be missed more than words can say.

Dick is preceded in death by his father, John Clapp; his mother, Helen (Nee Hosner), his brother, Floyd Wiley; his beloved wife, Joyce Clapp; and his son-in-law, Gerry Gust.

He is survived by his loving children, Deborah (Clapp) Gust and Keith Clapp; his grandchildren, Nikki (Clapp) Barnett (Tom), Kyle Fredrickson (Julia), and Kirsten (Fredrickson) Flint (Ben); and his great-grandchildren, Grace Barnett, Lucy Barnett and Maia Fredrickson.

Dick’s legacy is one of laughter, love and unwavering generosity. He was a good neighbor, a loyal friend, and a source of strength and warmth to everyone he knew.

There will be no formal memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Dick’s memory by sharing a kind word or a favorite story. The family also encourages you to donate a tree or two in Dick’s name. While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com, please take time to sign Dick's guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Clapp family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-5622.