Paul Clapp

Paul Clapp, 85, of Toledo, passed away on Thursday, September 30, 2021. He was born in Bowling Green, OH to John and Modesta (Borough) Clapp on October 10, 1935. After graduating from Libbey High School, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in Germany as a communications expert. After serving in the Army, Paul was appointed to the Toledo Fire Department in 1961. During this time, Paul attended Owens Community College’s Fire Science program and was in one of the first graduating classes. He was a highly decorated and respected firefighter serving over 26 years. He achieved the rank of Captain while heading the Fire Prevention Bureau and Arson Investigation Unit. He held certifications in Bombing and Incendiary Investigations along with Search and Seizure. He ended his career as a State Fire Marshall working with B.U.S.T.E.R. Affectionately referred to as “Ironhead” and “PC”, Paul was known as a hard head, honorable man who loved to cause mischief, and played many pranks on fellow officers. Paul married Barbara (Nadeau), and they spent over 45 years of wedded bliss together before her passing in 2004. Over the years, Paul was very active in many organizations including serving on the board of the Toledo Firefighters FCU, the Port Clinton Moose Lodge and the Maumee Elks Club. In his spare time, he loved being on Lake Erie spending time with family and friends at the family cottage and fishing on his boat. Weekly, Paul would meet his firefighter buddies for breakfast on Thursdays at Ideal Hotdog otherwise you could find him at Frisches on Secor Road. He enjoyed snacking on Snickers and always had some on hand. Left to cherish Paul’s memory are his children, John (Darlene) Clapp, Tim (Holly) Clapp, Jeff (Pam) Clapp; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Kay Franklin, Betty Kinker, and Tom (Doris) Clapp; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and countless firefighter brothers and sisters. The family would like to thank the caregivers that treated Paul like family and took such great care of him from The Grove and Ohio Living Hospice. We will miss you and appreciated all you have done for him. Friends and family will be received on Friday, October 8, 2021, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH (419-841-2422), until conclusion of the Firefighter Last Alarm Service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021, beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery after the drive by ceremony at Station 4. Military Honors will take place at gravesite. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Toledo Firefighter’s Museum, 918 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH 43612 or Ohio Living Hospice, 1730 S. Reynolds Road, Toledo, OH 43614.