Howard Clapp

Howard’s earthly journey began September 8, 1931, in Volga, SD. His journey here ended, and his heavenly life began July 16, 2024. He was son to Herbert and Geneva Clapp. He was brother to Leona Van Beek. Dad served his God and his country in the US Air Force during the Korean war as a control tower operator. Howard loved his wife, Carol (Odor), with his whole heart, for his whole life. He often said how he knew that she was the one for him. They met in Omaha, NE, and were married June 25, 1954. Together, Howard and Carol raised 5 boys and 1 daughter. Howard raised his children to love God, family, and country. Dad spent most of his working time at the Upjohn Company. He was a microbiologist and head of animal rearing. He achieved 2 master’s degrees. Dad had a great, goofy sense of humor, worked hard and loved life. When he saw need, he tried to help. Howard kept a small hobby farm for many years. There he taught his children about animals, land, and work. He would have us help with many various chores. He provided an abundant life for his family. In retirement, Howard and Carol traveled in their motorhome visiting relatives and places across the country. They finally lived in Vicksburg, MI. He enjoyed visiting his family, cousins, uncles, aunts… He liked talking over a card game or a cup of coffee. He enjoyed horses and flying 2 stringed kites. He was often seen at events to watch and encourage his children and grandchildren. He was always kind and made his grandchildren feel he had plenty of time for them. He told off beat jokes and they laughed. Howard attended various churches over the years and served as elder and deacon. Dad loved the Lord Jesus. He wanted everyone he came into contact with to know that he was a Christian and he wanted to bring others to the eternal life Jesus offers. In Dad there was kindness, compassion, discipline, generosity, humbleness, intelligence, forgiveness, respect and love. These far outweighed any regret. He was careful to point to Jesus as the only standard for living a life for God. He was quick to offer up prayer at family gatherings. Later in life, he would fight back tears because he cared so much. He prepared us to live a life for Jesus, a life that now continues without him. He will be mightily missed here on earth, but we will see him again, when we all get to heaven someday. What a day of rejoicing that will be! What a wonder it will be, to see Dad walking straight, tall, and strong again in heaven. 

His Lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant—Matthew 25:23 

Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ—Romans 8:1 

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. - Revelations 21:4

Friends may gather with his family from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, Michigan, where his funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM. Please share memories with his family at www.langelands.com. 

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