Proud Wyoming raised resident, Walter Lee “Greg” Clapham, 92, of Sheridan, passed away Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at the Rock Creek Rehabilitation Center with his wife of 63 years by his side. He was born August 15, 1925 in Gillette, Wyoming to Charles and Blanche (Tanner) Clapham.
Walter Lee attended school in Sheridan, and joined the U.S. Army during the war in 1944 to serve his country. After the war, he returned to Sheridan High School and graduated in 1947. He attended college in Boulder, Colorado.
After graduation, he returned to the Army and was attached to the Signal Corps Center (Fort Monmouth, NJ) and the Proving Ground in Dugway, Utah.
Walt acquired the nickname of “Greg” due to his stature of 6 feet 6 inches (5’ 18” as he would say when asked how tall he was) being similar in appearance to the movie star, Gregory Peck, whose popularity was prominent in France (1952-1954).
He attended the Army Language School in Monterey, California; graduating in 1956. He also was attached to the Army Intelligence Center (Fort Holabird, Maryland) with tours of duty in France (Orleans and Bordeaux), as well as Germany (Frankfurt and Munich).
He married Micheline Batifoulie’ on July 20, 1954 in Bordeaux, France. Their daughters (Kim and Karin) were both born in Frankfurt, Germany.
After 25 years of serving his country, he retired in July 1968 while stationed at Fort Holabird, Baltimore, Maryland, and worked in the banking industry and for Larry (Hoover) Liquors.
In September 1972, he and his family moved to Sheridan to care for his mother, Blanche. Walt worked at Montgomery Wards, Sheridan Liquors, Little Big Man, Pony Liquors and Babe’s Flowers. Later, he and Micky owned and operated Villa Capri Mobile Home Park in Sheridan, WY.
He was a member of First Christian Church and the Sons of the American Revolution. Over the years, Walt was a caregiver to his mother, Blanche Clapham, mother in law, Conchita Batifoulie, and Aunt Grace Pergande. He adored his wife and daughters. Walt had the most tender heart and would do anything for his family and friends. His favorite season was fall/autumn; his favorite holiday was Halloween.
Walt’s hobbies included baking chocolate chip cookies, pineapple upside down cake, and making holiday KO Spirits/rum balls for his many friends around Sheridan. He was best known for his homemade pizza.
Walt enjoyed genealogy, traveling the world, and going to the mountains and being at Elkhorn Trailer Park. He took pride and joy in his family and particularly his grandchildren, who were raised to be strong and independent. Walt never knew a stranger and loved visiting with people.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother. Walt is survived by the love of his life, Micheline (Micky); daughters, Kim Gleason of Sheridan, WY, and Karin (Doug) Coppinger of Bonney Lake, WA; grandchildren, Chauncie (Aaron Larson) Anderson of Sheridan, Keisha Coppinger of Auburn, WA and Tristan Coppinger of Bonney Lake, WA; great granddaughter, Erin Anderson of Sheridan; Bill Eisele and all extended family members; family and cousins residing in Washington, Oregon, California, Tennessee, Arizona, and France; as well as classmates and childhood/neighbor friends, Phyllis Vanatta and Dean Christler.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Sheridan Senior Center, Mini Bus Program, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY 82801, Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter, 84 East Ridge Rd., Sheridan, WY 82801, and Rock Creek Rehabilitation Center, 1851 Big Horn Ave., Sheridan, WY 82801. No services will be held. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.
