Jon Scott Clapper

Jon Scott Clapper passed away at the age of 63 on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Gulf Coast Hospital. He was born on April 30, 1962, in Canton, Ohio. The youngest of four sons of Doris E. (Youtz) and John N. Clapper, Jon spent his early years running around the family dairy farm and charming customers at Kiddy Korner, a children’s apparel store in Minerva, Ohio, owned by his parents. In 1972, he and his parents moved to Lehigh Acres, Florida, where Jon remained a resident for over 50 years. He helped his parents at their first business in Florida, Norgetown Laundromat, before they purchased Dorothy K, a women’s apparel store. Jon’s early start in fashion surely influenced his sharp eye and impeccable style. While Jon always took pride in his appearance, his incredible sense for style was put to work helping his daughters—Kaira and Krissi—choose homecoming and prom dresses. He also helped his eldest daughter, Kaira, choose her wedding dress. His girls always knew they wouldn’t find the right dress until dad was there. Jon graduated from Riverdale High School (class of 1980) and attended Edison Community College. While he was a student, he also worked at the Publix in Lehigh Acres. Later, he took over the family business, Dorothy K. As fate would have it, this store was located near Ben Franklin, the family business of Richard and Ruth Minnig, his future in-laws. A salesman by trade, Jon later entered the field of home appliance sales. By the end of his career, at Fuse Specialty Appliances, he had established an impressive client base for high-end appliances. Many of his customers over the years would insist upon working with Jon alone. He had a way of making people feel seen, special, and safe. He was knowledgeable, trustworthy, and personable in business. Jon was always aware of new trends and was an expert in balancing timeless styles with modern embellishments. His opinion on design was often requested by work colleagues and family members alike. While his children were young, Jon could be found early mornings reading his Bible and enjoying a cup of coffee. On slow weekend afternoons, you could find him sitting on his recliner, graph paper and pencil in hand, drawing up dream home designs. To his children, their friends, and his nieces and nephews, Jon was the fun dad. He was an expert fort builder, swim instructor, cardboard box maze constructor, and birthday cake decorator. His creativity was always put to use with his children’s school projects. By far, his favorite way to tap into his artistic talent was decorating for Christmas. Jon had the ability to transform his home into a true winter wonderland. His greatest joy in life was spoiling his grandchildren, Ada and Adrian Ionescu, and he always arrived for visits with cartoon character totes in hand, full of surprises. Jon was greeted at the gates of Heaven by his parents, Doris and John Clapper; mother-in-law, Ruth Minnig; brother, James Clapper; sisters-in law, Carol Clapper and Kay Messaros; great-nephew, Issac Markovich; and the unborn child he and his wife, Kori Clapper, always dreamed of meeting in the afterlife. He continues to watch over his children, Kaira (Clapper) Ionescu, Jordan Clapper, and Krissi Clapper; his son-in-law, Horica Ionescu; his grandchildren, Ada and Adrian Ionescu; his wife, Kori Clapper; his brothers and in-laws, Dale and Brenda Clapper, Denny and Vicky Clapper, Kim and David Conrad, Kathy and Michael Smith, and James Messaros; his father-in-law, Richard Minnig; his aunt, Evelyn (Clapper) Pikulik; and many well-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Rise Church (50 Bell Blvd. N., Lehigh Acres, Fl, 33936) where he was a member for many years. Brightly colored attire is welcome for this celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider becoming an organ donor, if you are not already, or donate in his name to The National Kidney Foundation support.kidney.org. When sorting through his belongings, his daughter, Kaira, asked him to show her something important. She then found a bookmark which read: “We may not be together in the way we used to be. We are still connected by a cord no eye can see. So whenever you need to find me, we’re never far apart, if you look beyond the horizon, and listen with your heart.”

Jon Scott Clapper

April 30, 1962 - July 9, 2025