Johnny Herschel Clepper

Johnny Clepper, age 73 of Hamilton, passed away early Wednesday morning, on July 16, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s. Johnny was born September 3, 1951, in Hico, Texas the son of H.Y. “Doc” Clepper and Varue Rexroat Gaddy.

Johnny learned the carpentry trade at a young age and went to work for Ryland Homes & Raldon Homes. He started his own construction business, J&M Remodeling, in Argyle, Texas. His passion was buying old fixer uppers and turning them into homes. Johnny moved back to Hamilton in 1988 and continued with his construction business and buying old homes and turning them into rental properties. He also was the owner of the “The Wooden Indian” in Hico which was part antique store and part blacksmith shop. Johnny was a master bladesmith and spent countless hours in his blacksmith shop hand forging knives for friends, family and various fundraisers for people in need. Johnny was a member of Indian Gap Baptist Church.

Johnny is preceded in death by his father H.Y. “Doc” Clepper, his mother Varue Rexroat Gaddy, niece, Lisa Turner and nephews Paul Finn, Mike Turner and Moose Whitfield.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa Clepper; son Wesley Clepper and wife Misty; daughter Sabrina Bell and husband Russell; bonus daughter, Dusty Uptmor; sisters, Sarah Williams and husband Steve, Barbara Butler and husband Doug Post, Janette Clepper; brother Gary Clepper, six grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

A visitation for Johnny will be held Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Riley Funeral Home, 402 W Main, Hamilton, Texas 76531. A funeral service will occur Monday, July 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM, 402 W Main, Hamilton, Texas 76531. An interment will occur Monday, July 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Brad Cemetery, Brad, Texas.