Ivan Richard Claypool Obituary (1936 - 2020)

Ivan Richard Claypool, born October 11, 1936, in Ohio, went into the presence of Jesus, on September 13, 2020 at their home, in Oro Valley, Arizona. Dick was born in Ohio, to Edna and Bill Claypool on October 11,1936. He graduated from Caldwell High School, in Caldwell, Ohio, in 1955. Dick was married to Jerri Wright on October 9,1959, in Tucson, AZ. The night of their wedding, they boarded a Greyhound bus with a "Just Married" sign and cans trailing behind the bus, and headed for Alexandria, Virginia to continue his military career in the US Army. He completed his basic training at Camp Pendleton, and was later stationed at Fort Belvoir, in Virginia. Dick was transferred to Greenland and six months later was honorably discharged. He returned to Tucson where he served in the Army Reserves for eight years. He was proud to have served his country. He was a hardworking man who grew up learning the joy and value of hard work. He worked on the family farm as a boy. At nineteen, Dick moved to Tucson, Arizona and began working at the Cyprus Sierrita Mine for the next 30 years, and given an award for 30 years without a loss of time due to injury. Dick operated nearly every piece of heavy equipment in both mines. Eventually he became a trainer and supervisor of other men. He loved to hunt, especially with his sons. Every Labor Day, they would compete to see who would bring home the most doves. Guess who always won! His father, mother, and sister, Nancy Willis, preceded Dick in death. His wife Jerri Claypool, who was the love of his life, survives him, along with his brother, Ken Claypool. He is also survived by his children, Jim Claypool and wife Sandy, Bill Claypool and wife Lisa, and Shellie Claypool. His children were all the joy of his life. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Laura Odinkemere and husband Chima, Danielle Upton and husband Ryan, Allison Claypool, Jon Claypool, Travis Claypool, and Shayla Claypool. His grandchildren were the pride of his life. Dick came to a personal relationship with his precious Savior, Jesus Christ, in 1965 and grew in his walk with the Lord right up to the day he was ushered into His presence. His relationship with Jesus was not a religious walk, but a walk with His best friend. He loved to hear and study the Word of God. Dick followed the example of Jesus by being a servant to others. His desire was that all who knew him would also know His Savior personally. His life verse was, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to: Global Training Network, designated for Bill and Cindi Wright. Give online: globaltrainingnetwork.org/who/bill-and-cindi-wright Give by mail: Global Training Network, P.O. Box 6507, Peoria, Az. 85385 designated for Bill and Cindi Wright.