Woodrow Wilson Clapper Jr,

Clapper, Woodrow Wilson,  Jr., “Woody”, 81, passed away unexpectedly July 10, 2018 at home. Born September 30, 1936 in Bedford, the son of Woodrow and Dorothy (Calhoun) Clapper. Preceded in death by parents; brother, James; and sister Dottie Mae Straub. Survived by wife of 33 years, the former Diana Labuda; and former wife, Barbara Bender; children, Kimberly (Joe) Kuisick; Karen (Jeffery) Croft; Woodrow (Marleena); James (Mary); grandchildren, Leeann Clapper; Chloe and Caden Croft; Woodrow IV, Matthew, Weston, and McKayla Clapper; Katherine, Lily, Sophia, and Benjamin Clapper; stepchildren, Karl Backman; Krystal King; and Alan Backman. Also survived by sister, Susan (Gerry) Shipley; and brother, Joseph (Ruth) Straub. Additionally, he is survived by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many close friends. He loved his dogs Snowy and Cassie. Woody was a 1954 graduate of Bedford High School. He was a proud veteran of both the Army and Air Force and was awarded the Purple Heart, during the Korean War. He was an active pilot and enjoyed taking numerous friends flying in the Piper Cub. Woody spent the majority of his career as a truck driver, “logging more miles in reverse than most people did forward.” He was a collector of many things and through the years owned a corvette, motorcycles, and most recently a scooter. He spent many days hunting the elusive whitetail and black bear on Shaffer Mountain. He was very proud to serve as mayor of Central City, an office he held since 1997. He was a man with many stories and shared them with everyone. He will be sadly missed. Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Mulcahy Funeral Home, Central City, where service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Father Aron Maghsoudi. Committal St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Graveside military rites by Central City VFW and American Legion Posts. In lieu of flowers, family asks donations be made to your local Humane Society in Woody’s memory. www.mulcahyfuneralhome.com

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