Merlyn Leroy Clapp

Merlyn Leroy Clapp, 89, of Charles City, passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at the Nora Springs Care Center with loving family at his side.

A funeral service for Merlyn Clapp will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd, Iowa with Pastor Paul Phillips officiating. A fellowship dinner will be served directly after the ceremony. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Charles City.

Visitation will be held 9:30 a.m. until the start of the service at the church on Saturday.

Merlyn Leroy Clapp, the son of Stanley and Lucille (Beckwith) Clapp, was born June 25, 1935, in Charles City, Iowa. He received his education through Charles City Schools. He joined the military and started basic training in November of 1953. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic. He married his first wife, and their union resulted in first daughter Susan. Merlyn met the love of his life in May of 1956 at a roller rink. Merlyn married Margaret Danley on June 28, 1956. They were happily married for 68 ½ years. Their marriage resulted in four children: Vernon, Mary, Bertha, and Kevin.

Throughout the many years in the Air Force, Merlyn and his family moved all over the United States from Homestead, Florida; Minot, North Dakota; Charleston, South Carolina; Barksdale, Louisiana; Anchorage, Alaska; Travis, California; and finally, back to Charles City, Iowa. Merlyn was in the United States Air Force for 20 years and retired on Dec. 1, 1973, at the rank of E-7, Master Sergeant. His military awards include the Vietnam Campaign, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal and Cluster, Air Force Accommodation Award, and Air Force Bronze Star. Merlyn worked at White Farm Equipment for about eight years, then worked at Dale’s Junk Yard. The grandchildren have many fond memories of the junkyard.

Merlyn was an active member of the Gospel Lighthouse Church. Merlyn even served as a “bus driver” for the Gospel Lighthouse Academy. Merlyn’s interests were working on cars, making a group of people laugh with a witty story or joke, tinkering on things outside, and his yard was his pride and joy.

Merlyn was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be known for his hard work and dedication.

Living family members include his wife, Margaret Clapp; sister, Carol (Jay) Caneff; daughter, Susan (Lou) Ferlanti; son, Vernon (Tracy) Clapp; daughter, Mary (Craig) Elin; daughter, Bertha (Mark) Bertling; son, Kevin (Tonya) Clapp; grandchildren: Sonja, Linda, Dustin, Natalie, Kayla, Christina, Ashley, Allison, Melissa, Elizabeth, Jessica, David and Joshua; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; best friend, Bob Winterink; many in-laws, step-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and extended family members.

Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Lucille Clapp; parents-in-law, Ruie and Voncile Danley; a beloved grandmother, Mary Beckwith; brother-in-law, James Danley; son-in-law Morty David; nephew, Dwight Danley, Jr.; close cousin, Mary Lou McCauley; and friend, Naomi Winterink.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.