The Rev. Richard A. Clapp
The Rev. Richard A. Clapp, 80 years-young, was born August 10, 1937 in Flint, the second son of Russell and Mildred Clapp. Richard Clapp grew up in Flint, attending Central High School and graduating from that institution in 1955. He took an apprenticeship at DuPont Company in the summer of that same year. After marrying Gail Beverly Willsher in September 1957, he spent the next 38 years working as a millwright and maintenance supervisor at AC Delco in Flint. His hobbies included motorcycle racing, historical re-enacting, waterfowl hunting and competitive skeet. Upon retiring Richard, moved to Presque Isle County where he and his wife Gail attended Leer Lutheran Church. After Gail’s death in 2002, Richard entered the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, California, to become a Minister of the Gospel in December 2006, ultimately serving as the Leer Lutheran Church pastor for 10 years and Grace Episcopal Church of Long Rapids until January 2018. After retiring from the active ministry at Leer, Richard served as a traveling minister for many of the churches in and around the area, where he continued to assist the needs of parishioners from diverse denominations. An avid motorcyclist, Richard traveled from coast to coast visiting family and friends and was somewhat of a celebrity because of his Scottie dogs, Dugan and Dughall, who rode many of those miles in the back seat of his Goldwing. He married his wife Ann E. Fogt Bennett of Presque Isle in August 2017 planning to spend many happy years together. He was always ready to give a helping hand, share a laugh and a smile, and a kind word where it was needed.
He is survived by his wife, Ann and her daughter Michelle and husband Anthony Nash, and their children Case Nash, and Skylar, Brody and Hailyn Clark. Richa
Visitation was Tuesday, June 26, at Grace Episcopal Church in Lachine and resumed Wednesday June 27 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rogers City until the time of the funeral service with the Rev. Christina Bright officiating. Interment followed at Leer Lutheran Church Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials in memory of the Rev. Richard A. Clapp may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, Huron Humane Society or the Christian church of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted with McWilliams Funeral Home – Alpena. Online condolences can be registered at www.mcwilliamsfh.com. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can view Richard’s life story.