Clarence C. Klapmeyer Jr.

Buzzy was born on December 27, 1921 to Clarence C., Sr. and Cecile (Kuntz) Klapmeyer. Buzzy and his older brother, Ralph, grew up on the dairy farm on Holmes Road that was operated by their parents. He attended elementary school in Martin City, then middle and high school in Grandview until 10th grade. Leaving school, he trained at the Kansas City Municipal Airport to become a mechanic and sheet metal fabricator for airplanes. After completing his training there Buzzy took a position in an aircraft manufacturing plant in California for about a year then returned to Kansas City to work on his parent's farm. Shortly after returning home he met Margaret Rose "Margie" Kempinger and, following a brief engagement, they were married on November 29, 1941. they had three children: Donald L., C. James and Karen R.

Buzzy joined the Army Air Corps in December, 1942. He was an Aircraft Armorer for the 788th Bomb Squadron servicing and maintaining bomb racks and weapons onboard the bomber aircraft, as well as other duties. He was stationed at several air bases in England during World War II and received 6 Bronze Stars as a part of his squadron's participation in campaigns in the European Theater during the war.

Returning home from the war Buzzy worked many different jobs to support his young family. He worked for airplane manufacturers in Wichita and Topeka, he was a delivery driver for the Coca-Cola Company, drove an electric bus for Kansas City, and was employed by Westinghouse, to name a few. In 1960 he began his career with Western Electric in Lee's Summit as a sheet metal fabricator and retired from there in 1981.

Throughout their marriage Buzzy and Margie loved to travel. They owned most every kind of camper or trailer over their traveling years mostly going to Colorado and California, southern Missouri and Arkansas They remained very active, traveling, camping and bicycling well into their 80"s.

At home, Buzzy liked to work in his garage, take care of his yard, play the piano, visit with friends and family and just relax on the porch watching the birds.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Ralph; great-grandson Jacob Taylor; and Margie his loving wife of 80 years.

He is survived by children Don, Jim and Karen; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Buzzy's name to the Patriot Guard Riders or a charitable organization of your choice.