John William Clapsaddle Sr. of Gypsum, Ks, passed away at Cedarhurst of Salina with his loved ones December 1st, 2024. John was born at Camp Stoneman in California to Bill and Donna (Kelley) on March 29, 1945. He graduated from Mayfair High School in Lakewood, California. After high school he served in the Marine Corps Reserves for 6 years. During this time, he married former wife Penne (Greer) Clapsaddle and welcomed two children John Clapsaddle Jr. & Michele (Oard).
John worked as a serviceman at the City of Longbeach Gas Department for many years after his time in the service. In 1980, John decided he wanted to replant his roots back in Gypsum, Kansas, where his family originated. He purchased a farm to raise his family and continued to grow his operation through the years. He met many lifelong friends through his careers, some he viewed as extended family. John always had a farmer mentality. He would drop anything to go and help a neighbor in need without asking for anything in return.
In 2003, John then married Christine (Carl) Clapsaddle with friends and family surrounding them. He gained a son Brett Wilson (Lindsey) and daughter Lindsey Sibley (Lance). He and Chris spent much of their adult life traveling while not on the farm.
John was a man of great knowledge and was eager to gain friendships wherever he went. He held many roles in his community including serving as a Board Member for the Southeast of Saline School District and Farm Bureau.
John is preceded in death by his late parents, Donna (Kelley) and his father William “Bill” Clapsaddle. His mother-in law Donna Johnson and son-in-law Jeff Oard.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 21 years, Christine (Carl) Clapsaddle, his step-son Brett Wilson (Lindsey) and grandchildren Brynn & Maddox Wilson, step-daughter Lindsey Sibley (Lance) and grandchildren Addison & Jake Sibley; his sister Patricia Van Otterloo (Alvin), father in law, Marvin Johnson, and nephews Todd Van Otterloo (Mary) & their son Jack, Ryan Van Otterloo (Jenna) & their children Kelley and Alex, his son John Jr. Clapsaddle, his daughter Michele Oard (Jeff) and granddaughter Alicia Cox (Christopher), his 4 great-grandchildren Carson, Boyce, Blake, & Charlotte Cox. He leaves many cousins and beloved friends.
John’s memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Ryan Mortuary in Salina, Kansas, with a light lunch to follow. After the luncheon, a burial service will be held at the Poheta Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Southeast of Saline School District to help support program funds. Make checks payable to: SES Education Foundation, 5056 E K-4 Hwy, Gypsum, KS 67448.