Donald C. Clapsaddle, formerly of 833 Londoner Road, Schenectady, NY passed away quietly at his home in Fort Wayne, IN, on October 21, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marion E. (Fuerst) Clapsaddle of Fort Wayne; their daughters, Jan-Marie Zimmerman (Donald Mathis) of Fort Wayne, Susan Campbell (Robert Campbell) of Malta, NY, and Bobbi Clapsaddle (Edward Patnode) of East Amherst NY; four grandchildren and six bonus grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and eight bonus great-grandchildren; and seven nieces and nephews and their families. Don was born on May 30, 1922 and raised in Ste. Genevieve, MO, middle child of Dr. Clare J. Clapsaddle and Hazel Broeder. He was predeceased by his brother, C.J. "Jerry" Clapsaddle Jr. of Ste. Genevieve and sister, Mary Elise McFadden of Davenport IA. Don attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids IA and graduated from Iowa State University at Ames with a B.S. in mechanical engineering in 1945. He started the same year with GE's manufacturing management training program at Schenectady headquarters. His career spanned 50 years: 31 with GE and 19 as an independent contractor. A workmate introduced Don to Marion, also a GE employee, on a blind date. They were married in 1947 and resided in Schenectady until 1965. They celebrated their anniversary in August among some family members and friends. Don loved his wife and family, sailing, and music. He enjoyed nothing more than taking young ones for a sail on Great Sacandaga Lake. He played the trumpet, built stereo components and speakers, danced with Marion at The Benedicts, and traveled to see most of the grandchildren's concerts and sporting events. Don also loved his God. In 2004, after a two-year study of the Bible, he dedicated himself as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He had for many years been associated with Union Presbyterian Church as a trustee. His volunteerism also extended to the Schenectady's Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital Auxiliary as treasurer for Sunnyview Gift Shop and to the Schenectady Symphony board as treasurer. He was a former member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity; the Elfun Society; GE Quarter Century Club; and The Edison Club. A memorial service is being held on Sunday, October 30 at 5 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 11181 IN-37 E, New Haven IN 46774. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a contribution to the Watchtower Society at www.JW.org <http://www.JW.org> or to the Sunnyview Hospital Foundation.
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