Dennis Charles Clapp

He was surrounded by loving friends and family, including his wife, Paula, who was holding his hand when he took his last breath. Denny battled Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for 31 years before finally succumbing to its effects on his body.

Denny was born on March 26, 1949, to Lester and Ethel Clapp in Fort Morgan, Colorado.

He grew up on a farm in the neighboring town of Brush. He used the invaluable experience learned from the farm and a brief attendance at Western Technical College to develop a career as a mechanic for automobiles and, later, for machinery in the manufacturing industry. He first met Paula in the eighth grade, and they became friends immediately; they have been inseparable ever since. In 1991, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Denny was 42 and working for American Precision Plastics at that time; he continued to work until his body would no longer let him. He never complained; he always said, “however hard I have it, there is always someone out there who has it worse, so don’t feel sorry for me.” His positive attitude was infectious, and nearly all who came to know him were left with fond memories. He was quite a character, was always the life of the party, and everyone enjoyed being around him. Denny deeply loved animals, including several dogs throughout his life, most recently “Bear”. Paula recalls the time she watched him care for piglets, keeping them warm in his bedroom dresser drawers. He loved baseball, softball, camping, fishing, hunting, playing cards, and visiting with his large extended family (aunts, uncles, and cousins), as well as many close friends. He spent countless hours coaching baseball for T-ball and Little League. He loved watching the kids develop their talents as they grew to love the game as much as he did.

Most importantly, Denny was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Paula, three children, Alonna (Brad) Crotzer, Toby (Angela Posey) Clapp, and Charles (Elsa Valdez) Clapp, along with their families, which include five grandchildren (Coryn, Colby, and Courtney Crotzer, Roman Valdez, and Joey Lynn Posey), as well as a sister, Janet (Ron) Reed, a brother, Robert (Bob) (Lynette) Clapp, and too many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews to list separately. He was preceded in death by his father, Lester, and mother, Ethel, and a brother, Richard.

He will be missed and will always hold a special place in our hearts!

Denny’s funeral service will be held October 22, 2022, at 2 PM MST at Rinn Methodist Church, 3783 Bella Rosa Pkwy, Longmont, CO 80504. There will be a reception following at the church. A private burial will be later for close family and friends.