Billy Ray Claphan 1/26/1940 – 4/16/2020

Billy Claphan, 80, of Aurora Co. departed this life on April 16th, 2020, to be with the Lord. He suffered for many years from multiple health conditions.

Billy was born to Forest and Willie Claphan (Maxey) of Van Buren, AK., on January 26th, 1940. Billy graduated from Columbia High School in 1958. He soon after enlisted in the United States Air Force where he became a flight engineer and spent 8 years of his life serving his country as a Staff Sergeant.

In 1959, Billy married the love of his life Debby Hershman. Billy and Debby gave life to a daughter, Tina Claphan, in 1960. They traveled all over the world from Japan to Germany to Canada.

In 1967, Billy began his career in a hide processing plant. He became the plant supervisor running his own processing plant. In 1979, Billy and his family relocated to Denver, CO. where he worked several more years until he became disabled. Billy and Debby became providers for people with disabilities for the next 19 years. Billy and Debby then retired and moved in with their daughter where Billy lived out the rest of his years.

Billy left to be with the Lord while at home with his wife, Debby Claphan of 60 years; daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was surrounded by peace and love.

Survivors include: Wife, Debby Claphan; Daughter, Tina Tucker; Brothers, Dale (Forest) Claphan and Bobby Claphan; Nieces, Brenna Shord, J’Neane Gaines, Bobbi Easley and Laura Claphan; Nephews, Robert Claphan and Billy Claphan; Grandchildren, Jesse Bedard (Chrissy), Jared Bedard (Nicole), Justina Tucker (Christopher), Jordannah DeShon; and many Great-Grandchildren.

Proceeded in Death by: Father and Mother, Forest and Willie Claphan; Son In-Law, Michael Tucker; and Grand-Daughter Jennifer Littlejohn.

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