Herbert "Herbie" Clapper, Age 83, of Malvern, died Sunday, March 29, 2015 in Aultman Hospital following a long illness. He was born June 15, 1931 in Paris to Carl and Venda (Tressler) Clapper. He retired from Stark Ceramics where he had worked for 44 years. He is a US Army veteran of the Korean War, loved sports and country music and was a huge Malvern Hornets sports fan and had played fast pitch softball for many years on the West End team.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Janet (Leasure) Clapper who died in 2003, son-in-law, Eugene Cope and two sisters, Roselene Lowery and Evelyn Bobo. He is survived by 3 daughters; Carolyn "Jeannie" Ritter, Linda Clapper and Mary Jo Cope all of Malvern, 3 sisters; Sarah (Floyd) Marshall of Alliance, Hazel (Earl) Rossa of Canton South, Norma (Dave) Decker of Malvern, 3 brothers; Wilbur Clapper of Malvern, Don (Katherine) Clapper of Robertsville and Kenneth (Berta) Clapper of FL, 4 grandchildren; Ed (Kathy) Ritter of Malvern, Herbert (Sara) Ritter of East Sparta, James (Allison Bolek) Walton of Malvern and Justin (Lisa Collins) Cope of Malvern, 13 great grandchildren; Isabelle, Gabi, Drew, Duane, Savannah, Connor, Athena, Josie, Brennan, Jamison, Jaren, Camron and Nevaeh, a host of nieces and nephews that he loved dearly and his best friend "Rocky".

Following cremation, a graveside service will be held with full military honors, Saturday at 11:00 in the Bethlehem Cemetery with Pastor Allen Hill officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to services at the cemetery. Following services a lunch will be held in the Malvern United Methodist Church social hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.