Donald E. Klapp

Donald Eugene Klapp, 90 of Abilene, passed away at his home on July 3rd, 2023.  A visitation will be held in the Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home (13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas) at 10:00 am on Saturday July 8th with a service to follow at 11:00 am.  Burial will be in the Restland Cemetery.

Donald Eugene Klapp, of Abilene passed away Monday, July 3, 2023 at his home. Don was born on the Ides of March, March 15, 1933, in Dallas, Texas to Charles Boyd and Ethel Patterson Klapp.  He was the youngest of five children.  His great-grandfather, John L. Boyd, was a member of one of the pioneer Dallas families and owned the first planing mill in Dallas, The City Planing Mill, which opened in 1900.  The Boyd home was located on Maple Avenue. A photograph of which is included in the archives of Dallas historic homes

Don graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1951 and continued his education at North Texas State College where he graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.  He attained a Master of Education in 1965 and a Master of Science in 1978, both from East Texas State University.  After encouragement from a former professor, Don further pursued his studies and proudly attained his Doctor of Education in 1982.

In 1953 Don’s sister Rosemary Carona introduced him to her pretty neighbor, Betty Holland.  Betty often spoke of the first time they met.  She recalled he was wearing a yellow short sleeve shirt and was the cutest boy she had ever seen.  They married on June 10, 1955 at Skillman Church of Christ.

Within six months of their marriage, Don received his call to serve in the U.S. Army.  He proudly served his country from 1956-1958.  Following his discharge, he returned to Dallas ISD to continue his career as an educator.  He spent several years at Gaston Junior High teaching drafting, Texas history and coaching seventh grade football.   To supplement his teacher’s income, during the summers Don managed the Harry Stone Swimming Pool.  He would often take his two daughters with him to spend the day at the pool, allowing Betty to enjoy some much needed peace and quiet, always making sure there was an off-duty lifeguard  keeping a watchful eye.

Don played softball with the East Grand Baptist church for many years.  He cherished those times and would often tell stories of games, reliving every detail.  Many of his team members remained lifelong friends.

During a break in his education career, Don worked for Brodhead-Garrett company as their representative for the state of Texas.  He traveled extensively and used his vast knowledge of industrial arts education to assist high schools, colleges and technical schools in building and supplying state of the art industrial arts classrooms. He left Brodhead-Garrett as a Regional Director and  returned to Dallas ISD as Director of Purchasing and later as a Director of Personnel.  He retired from DISD in 1998.

After retirement Don and Betty relocated to Abilene to be closer to their grandchildren.  They enjoyed watching their grandson’s and granddaughter’s many activities and later welcoming their great-grandchildren.  Never one to just sit, Don enrolled in the Master Gardener program in Abilene and took great pride in creating a beautiful yard space for Betty to enjoy.  He planted three pecan trees that produce an abundance of pecans which he enjoyed gifting to friends and neighbors.   As Betty’s Alzheimer’s progressed, he devoted all his time to her care.

Don loved growing up on Garland Avenue and always took pride in remembering the details of the stories from his youth.  He shared those stories with all who would listen, daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  At a recent party celebrating his 90th year, he expressed that his one wish was that he and his history would be remembered.

Don, Daddy, Pop, Uncle Don, you will be remembered.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; sisters Rosemary Carona, Sharlyne Burgess, Alice Jo Hardy and Ann Holman.  He is survived by daughter Karan Duwe and husband Randy; daughter Kathryn Johnson and husband Jeff; grandchildren Josh Duwe and wife Madge and Julee Roark and husband Justin; great-grandchildren Grant, Miles and Jack Duwe and Ellee and Amos Roark; brother-in-law Charles Holland and wife Kathy; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.