Elza Dean Clapp

Elza Dean Clapp, 75, of Du Quoin, passed away at 8:45 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at his residence.

Dean had worked as a farmer, but spent thirty-five years of his working career at the Chester Mental Health Center in Chester.  He was a lifetime member of the Old Du Quoin Baptist Church, where he also taught Sunday School.  Dean graduated from Du Quoin High School in 1950.  He entered the United States Army in February of 1953, where he served during the Korean War.  Dean was a member and past Master of the Du Quoin Masonic Lodge #234.  He was a member of the Perry County Shrine Club, V.F.W., and American Legion.  He was an avid sports fan.  He was an IHSA official.  He had served on the Khourey League Board and youth baseball for many years.  He had also served on the board at the Du Quoin Youth Club.  Dean was a season ticket holder for the Du Quoin High School Athletics and the Southern Illinois University football and basketball.  In 1986, he was honored at the Du Quoin Elks All Sports Banquet as "Fan Of The Year".  Dean was a Democratic precinct committeeman for many years.

He was born November 21, 1932 at Old Du Quoin, the son of Harry Raymond and Mary Elizabeth (House) Clapp.

He married Ruby Sherline Conner on August 1,1953 at the Old Du Quoin Baptist Church and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years Sherline Clapp of Du Quoin, one son - Paul Clapp and wife Ann of Du Quoin, five daughters - Diana Ridgeway and husband Lester of Du Quoin, Cindy Winter and husband Ray of Pinckneyville, Mary Mondoni and husband Chris of Coello, Susan Hagene and husband Tom of Pinckneyville, and Laurie Edwards and husband Jason of Du Quoin, nineteen grandchildren, five great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step father - Wayne Simpkins, and one sister.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, June 7, at the Old Du Quoin Baptist Church in Du Quoin with Rev. Ted Clark and Rev. Cecil Dunning officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin and from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday.

Masonic services will be held at 7:30 p.m., Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in the Old Du Quoin Cemetery at Du Quoin.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin American Legion and V.F.W.

Friends may make memorials to the Du Quoin Youth Club and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.

