Merle L. Clapp

Merle L. Clapp, 84, of Baytown, was born November 12, 1931, in Grand Rapids, MI and passed away Saturday, January 16, 2016, at his home. He was a proud U. S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. As a long time resident of Austin, Texas he enjoyed being active in the community as a youth little league coach and football referee. He was a practical joker who kept his family on their toes. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing Texas hold 'em, chess and checkers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleveland and Lena Clapp; sister, Beula Clapp; brothers, Oscar Clapp and Donald Clapp; and brother-in-laws, Howard Reyburn and David Bonser. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Sue Clapp of Baytown; sons and daughter-in-law, Robert Bruce Clapp of Grapevine, John Clapp of Anna, and Russell and Traci Clapp of Bells; daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Tommy Stivender of Baytown; brother and sister-in-law, Gerald ""Jerry"" and Linda Clapp of San Antonio; sisters, Wanda Reyburn of Kentwood, MI and Hazel Bonser of Sparta, MI; and grandchildren, Rachel Denton of Austin, TX, Amanda Denton of Baytown, TX, Emily Waldeck and husband Phillip of Addison, TX, Katie Clapp of Denton, TX, MacKenzi Clapp of Durant, OK, Sarah and Matthew Clapp of Bells, TX, and Savanna Stivender, David Stivender, Paul Stivender, and Tim Stivender of Baytown; and great grandson, Radley Stivender of Baytown, TX.

His family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Graveside services with military honors will be Thursday, January 21, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at Houston National Cemetery with Dave Jirrells officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be his sons, son-in-law, and grandsons.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.