Steven David Clapp, 68, of rural Rensselaer, passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. He was born in East Chicago, Indiana on July 6, 1948, the son of Garnet M. (Arnett) Clapp and the late Earl J. Clapp. He graduated from Rensselaer High School with the Class of 1967.

On January 19, 1970, in Rensselaer, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara A. Henry. They recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. Steve served in the National Guard. He was a self-employed farmer. He enjoyed hunting for arrowheads on his property. He enjoyed antique tractors and was a member of the Retired Iron Club of Jasper County. He also enjoyed guns and going to auctions. He loved the earth and animals, especially his livestock and the many dogs he had over the years, and his current dog “Chewy”.

Steve was a strong, gentle, hard-working man. He had a heart of gold, and would do anything for anyone. He was the rock of his family and was always there for them. They will miss him dearly.

Steve is survived by his loving family: wife Barbara A. Clapp of Rensselaer; two sons, Steven T. (Angela) Clapp of Rensselaer and Garett H. (Brandi) Clapp of Rensselaer; mother Garnet M. Clapp of Rensselaer; one brother, Earl Neil (Rebecca Bettybell) Clapp of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one sister, Lorna C. Clapp of Rensselaer; 12 grandchildren: Robin Chang, Misty Kurek, Garett T. Clapp, Kaila Schneegas, Britny Kidney, Stephanie Arcuri, Steven E. Clapp, Kali Clapp, John Clapp, Alexis Clapp, Madison Clapp, and Preston Clapp; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his father, Earl J. Clapp, and one grandson, Andrew Ciccariello.

Per Steve’s wishes, private family services will be held at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Contributions in Steve’s memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans or the Wounded Warrior Project. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.

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