Richard Allen Claypool

Richard Allen Claypool, 84, formerly of Richards, passed away on Friday, Dec. 29, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada following a lengthy illness. Richard was born Dec. 11, 1933, in Richards, to Raymond E. and Ida Irene (Striech) Claypool. On April 26, 1958, he was united in marriage to Edna Lucille Shafer in Nevada and she survives of the home.

Richard was raised in the Richards area and graduated from Metz High School in 1951. At the age of 17, he entered the United States Navy and served four years as a communications specialist during the Korean War. Richard was aboard the U.S.S. Randall and U.S.S. Law and spent time near Guam. Following his time in the service, Richard returned to Vernon County to farm and raised livestock. He also worked at several area auction barns for many years. Richard served on the Metz school Board in the early 1970s and was a member of the Rinehart Christian Church.

In addition to his wife Lucille he is survived by three sons, Tom Claypool and his wife Lesa, Nevada, John Claypool, of the home, and Tim Claypool and his wife Melissa, Walker; six grandchildren, Kara Claypool, Rannon Claypool, Ricky Claypool, Angel Claypool, Christopher Claypool and Kaleb Claypool; five great-grandchildren, Easton Claypool, Emerson Claypool, Sophie Dowty, Declan Claypool and Jaxon Claypool; one brother, Gary Claypool and his wife Marilee, Nevada; and several nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Edward Claypool and Donald Claypool.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Roger Beach officiating. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery in Fort Scott. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Those who wish may contribute to the Parkinson Foundation care of Ferry Funeral Home.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.