Thomas "Tom" Clapper

Thomas "Tom" Clapper, 90, of Bedford passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. His wife, Mary "Jewell," predeceased him in 2009 after 63 years of marriage.   He is survived by son Steven and wife Sharon, son Jeffrey and Andrea, son Michael and wife Annabelle, daughter Mary Creps all of Bedford, and daughter Laura and husband Robert Fisher of Manns Choice. Thomas also left behind 9 adoring grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

He was born in Bedford in 1926, the ninth child of ten to James and Laura (Kegarise) Clapper. Tom was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He graduated from Bedford High School and then was drafted into military service in 1944. He married Mary Jewell Davis from Mississippi in 1946; they met while he was stationed at a military base there.

Tom was known as a skilled painter and wallpaper hanger and many walls around Bedford still display his quality workmanship.  Tom retired in 1988 and then had some time to enjoy his favorite hobby ---fishing! He also created a miniature golf course on his property and often challenged whoever stopped by to a game of golf. He prided himself in his ability to beat most that competed against him in a friendly game of corn hole.  He enjoyed creating clever wooden cutouts and gadgets to stimulate the imagination and challenge the mind.  Music was a big part of Tom's life, and he played many different instruments while encouraging his children and grandchildren to develop their musical talents.

Tom was a proud World War II Army Veteran with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a communications specialist in France and Germany, and he could still decipher Morse code up to the time he passed. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW and was a patriotic citizen who never missed voting in an election.

Thomas will be remembered for his contagious optimism and wonderful sense of humor.  When visiting Tom, you always left with a big smile on your face.

A private service will be held at Steele Cemetery for family and close friends on Saturday, July 23, 2016.  Military rites will be accorded by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.

Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Tom to Save Our Susquehanna,  Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission,  P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000.

Arrangements entrusted to the Louis Geisel Funeral Home, Bedford.

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