Roger Chapin Clapp passed away October 22, 2026 at his home in Dallas, Texas. He celebrated both his 83rd birthday and his 60th wedding anniversary in August.

Roger was born August 28, 1943 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to James and Julia Clapp. He attended Gatewood Elementary School (where his pet duck Homer sometimes followed him to school) and later graduated from Classen High School.

After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, he married his college sweetheart, Patricia Taylor, on August 13, 1966. Together they moved to Dallas where Roger obtained his law degree from Southern Methodist University. He practiced patent law for more than 50 years (and filed the trademark for Chili’s famous “Oldtimer” hamburger).

Together, he and Patti loved to travel, visiting all 50 states and many national parks. He was a regular at restaurants like Lawry’s The Prime Rib, The Great Outdoors, and Snooze. Roger was a loyal OU fan and loved cheering on both the football and softball teams, as well as supporting Constitution Day at the university. They were longtime members of St. James Episcopal Church.

Twenty-five years ago, Roger became “Gdad” when his first grandchild was born, and he loved spending time with his grandkids. Even after his cancer diagnosis in 2017, he enjoyed family trips to Italy, New York City, and two epic trips to Disney World. (Space Mountain and the Enchanted Tiki Room were his favorites!)

When asked what advice he would give his grandkids, Roger once said, “Above all, be true to the Decalogue summary to love God and other people.”

Roger is survived by his wife, Patti Clapp; daughter Julie Clapp; son Doug Clapp (wife Sarah); and daughter Catherine Stansberry (husband Brad); grandchildren: Timothy Stansberry (wife Ellie); Elizabeth Medin (husband James); Caroline Stansberry, Claire Stansberry, Annie Clapp, and Nora Clapp. He is also survived by his brothers James Clapp and Robert Clapp.

A memorial service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 9845 McCree Road, in Dallas on Tuesday, November 24 at 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the causes that Roger cared about: University of Oklahoma Roger and Patti Clapp Constitution Day Endowed Fund, Samford University Flynt/Clapp Study Abroad Scholarship, or WyldLife, Young Life for middle school kids.