Jack Claypool

Jack Eugene Claypool, 87, died at Kingston Residence of Marion, on Saturday, September 9, 2023, following an extended illness. He was born on December 21, 1935, in Ashley, Ohio, to Claude and Wanda Wheeler Claypool.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1952 to 1956 aboard the U.S.S. Wright CVL 49, a light Saigon-class aircraft carrier. He traveled the world while in the Navy and often said his time in the Navy was his happiest. An air controller and radarman, Jack was aboard the Wright during Operation Wigwam in 1955 for the first underwater nuclear test. He was honorably discharged and ended his service at the rank of chief petty officer.

On December 18, 1954, he married Mary McKinley at Emanuel Lutheran Church. They were childhood sweethearts and raised three children.

He spent most of his working career with Fairfield Engineering Company in Marion, where he was the parts and service manager. He later worked at Tri-Rivers Joint Vocational School, where he was the warehouse supervisor. He and Mary both retired in 1998.

Jack was a member of the Y-Men Service Club for many years and enjoyed serving in the organization alongside many longtime friends. He also enjoyed the friendship of his former Naval colleagues, who he stayed in touch with through the U.S.S. Wright Association. He and Mary traveled across the country each year to meet their friends at the annual U.S.S. Wright reunions.

Jack and Mary most enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren. They often could be found at their grandchildren's school and sporting events, including traveling throughout the state to wherever their grandchildren played – or wherever Mary told him they were going!

Jack was Mary’s primary caregiver during her difficult illness, which lasted 18 months. They were married nearly 58 years when Mary died in September 2012.

Jack is survived by his three children, daughter Cynthia Field of Marion; son and daughter-in-law Craig and Andrea Claypool of St. Augustine, Fla.; and daughter and son-in-law Carol and Rod Taylor of Reynoldsburg. He also cherished his four grandchildren, Matthew Field of Marion, Kyle Taylor of Columbus, Courtney Taylor of Reynoldsburg, and Jack Claypool of St. Augustine, Fla. His brother Robert Claypool resides in Punta Gorda, Fla.
 

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim and George Claypool, sister Linda Keller, and son-in-law Steve Field.

Calling hours will be on Friday, September 15 from 4-6 p.m. at Boyd Funeral Home, 122 W. Columbia St., Marion. A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 16 at the funeral home. Burial will be next to his beloved Mary at Marion Cemetery. The Reverend Craig Lewis of St. Paul's Lutheran Church will officiate his services.

Jack’s children would like to thank the incredible staff of Kingston and Gentiva Hospice for their compassion and dedicated care of their father. Many of you earned smiles and lighthearted quips from Jack, who knew you were taking exceptional care of him.

Memorial contributions in Jack’s honor may be made to the Y-Men Service Club Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 275, Marion, OH 43302.

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