May 16, 1913 - July 9, 2008

Edward Urban Clapper went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 9, 2008. He was 95.

He was born on May 16, 1913, in Lorain, Ohio, the fourth child of Charles M. and Matilda A. Seibold Clapper. While in high school, he excelled in art, and won a scholarship to the Cincinnati Art Academy. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marines, and was in the 4th Marine Division, called the "China Marines," from 1930 to 1933.

After completing his tour of duty, he finished the course of study at the art academy. He then received a master's degree in commercial art and advertising from the University of Cincinnati. Following graduation, he worked for Reuben H. Donnelly in advertising. He was an avid realist painter, and produced many paintings. He won many awards for his advertising and artwork.

Ed met Rosemary Mackzum while both were attending the art academy. They were married in June 1938, and had two daughters, Judith Ann and Janith Rose. Rosemary passed away from cancer in August 1952, leaving Ed to raise his teenage daughters.

In October 1952, he moved to Miami, Fla., to be near his two sisters. He met J. Elizabeth "Betty" McCarty while attending Calvary Church. They were married on her 40th birthday, June 6, 1961. Their son, Charles M. Clapper, was born on Sept. 14, 1963.

Ed worked as advertising manager for Pan American Airways and then National Airlines until his retirement. He and Betty wanted to be used in the service of the Lord, so they became missionaries in Quito, Ecuador for about four years, working for radio station HCJB.

They moved to Philomath in 1982 to be near Ed's daughter, Judy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, on March 31, 2008; and by all his siblings, Hazel Louise Adams, Merland Michael Clapper, Elizabeth Catherine Reif and Dorothea Mildred Brown.

Survivors include his children, Judith of Lebanon, Janith of Brownwood, Texas, and Charles of Vail, Ariz.

A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. June 6 at Westwood Community Church, 23319 Greasy Creek Road in Philomath. The Clappers were very active members of this church.

Memorial donations can be made to the Clapper Library, Westwood Community Church, P.O. Box 614, Philomath, OR 97370.