Joe was born on April 24, 1938, in Girard, Ohio, to the late Anthony and Audrey (Roberts) Clapp. After graduating from high school Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; at Camp Pendleton, California; in Okinawa, Japan; and at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt.
In 1961, while stationed in Egypt, Joe met Carol Ann Palmer, the love of his life, who was visiting a friend. They married later that year and shared 63 wonderful years together until Carol’s passing in March of 2025. Their love and devotion to one another were the foundation of a beautiful life and family.
Following his honorable discharge from the Marines Joe began a career in law enforcement, serving as a police officer and later as a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). In 1973, while executing a search warrant, Joe was shot in the line of duty. He recovered and continued his dedicated service in Franklin County, where he worked until his retirement.
After retiring Joe enjoyed spending time on the golf course and working part-time at Safari Golf Course and Anderson’s General Store. Golf was a passion of his, along with college football and Frank Sinatra. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to tell stories, and truly never met a stranger. He had a gift for striking up a conversation, sharing a laugh, and making people feel welcome. He left a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to know him.
Above all, Joe loved his family. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol. He is survived by his children: Kathy (Craig) Casdorph; Tony (Jamie) Clapp; Andrea (Bob) Prostko; and Ann Boyer; his grandchildren: Nick (Sarah) Casdorph; Steph (Kelsey) Casdorph; Emma (Ibou) Seye; Maria Clapp; Michael (Fiancée Madi) Prostko; and Emily Prostko; his great-grandchildren: Reagan; Brooklyn; Hallie; Parker; Aubrey; Nairobi; Atticus and Iris; his brother, Steve (Gaye) Clapp; many nieces and nephews; his “Ladue” family; and his cherished friends at Brookdale Trillium Crossing.
Joe was also an active parishioner at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, where his faith was an important part of his life.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Brookdale at Trillium Crossing and to the Luminary Hospice Team for their exceptional care, compassion and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joe’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
