Joe Allen Clapp

Joe Allen Clapp

Long-time Alaskan and Valley homesteader Joe Allen Clapp, 99, passed away October 24, 2019.

Joe was born in Midway, TX on January 17, 1920. He graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1941, and received his Masters Degree from Sam Houston University in 1960. Joe married Irene Johnson in 1941. After graduation, he worked at North American Aviation in Dallas, and trained as a B-29 mechanic. He served in India and on Tinian Island during World War II, and also served stateside during the Korean War. He and Irene and their two daughters moved to Alaska from Texas in 1961. He taught fifth grade in Anchorage at Creekside Park, and at Chester Valley, while Irene taught at Nunaka Valley, and Homestead Elementary. He homesteaded in Wasilla in the late 1960’s, and the Clapp Road connection between Knik Goose Bay Road and the Parks Highway is named for him. He and his wife helped establish the Valley Church of Christ, and the church of Christ at Wasilla. He lost his wife Irene in 2006, and later married Maxine Wright of Texas; Maxine passed away in 2016. At the time of his death, Joe lived with his daughter Judy in Anchorage. He was a member of the Anchorage Church of Christ, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Sons of the Republic of Texas.

Joe is survived by his daughters Judith Ann Michael (David) of Anchorage, and Jan Elizabeth Johnson (Craig) of Kingsland, TX., as well as six grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Celebration with military honors will be held November 11 at 1 pm, at the Anchorage Church of Christ, 2700 DeBarr Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Midnight Sun Bible Camp, in care of the church.