Brazil, Indiana - BRAZIL - Morris Dale Claypool was reunited in Heaven with his beautiful wife on February 9, 2025.

He was born on May 1, 1930, in Clark County, Illinois to Ophir and Opal (Davis) Claypool.

As a young man he was active in Boy Scouts and played football at Danville High School, in Indiana, graduating in 1948.

He married his high school sweetheart Barbara Huffman on January 27, 1951. They had nearly 60 years together until her passing in 2009.

He enlisted and served in the U.S. Air Force for 3 years before transferring to the 181st Air National Guard Unit, in Terre Haute. He began his career as an airplane mechanic at Hulman Air Field before moving into a federal position, analyzing data, for the Department of Defense. He retired as Master Sergeant after 30 years of service.

He was active in Toastmasters, Investment Club, and Chowhounds Camping Club, and operated Claypool Camper Sales for several years. He bowled every Wednesday morning until he was 92 years old. He was an active member at First Christian Church for over 50 years where he had served as Elder and Trustee.

He was mechanically inclined and a master carpenter, having built all three of his family's homes. He was volunteer project manager from the congregation in building the new First Christian Church and assisted in the building of their Cornerstone Christian Academy.

He was known for his woodworking, having made many gifts for family, friends, and the church. He made everything from small delicate keepsakes to massive staging and scenery items for church productions and even won purple ribbons from the State Fair.

He enjoyed music, reading, gardening, and especially traveling. His family remembers traveling in the back of a pickup camper to nearly all the states and Canada. He and Barbara continued their globetrotting travels and volunteered on several mission trips.

All who knew him loved him and would describe him as a good, honest, kind man, with a wonderful sense of humor, but a quiet man who shunned the limelight.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lois Tomaw, and wife Barbara.

He is survived by his daughters Becky Claypool, Dena (Brad) Minor, and Lisa Claypool; grandchildren Laura (Aaron) Stewart, Kay (Nick) Garrison, and David Dale Palme; and great-grandchildren Jaicee (Zane) Morgan, Kyler Stewart, Addison Stewart, Hailey Garrison, and Hayden Garrison.

He is also survived by a very dear friend Doris Romas.

A special thank-you to his angel caregivers: Marian Burns, Joyce Phillips, Lisa White, Jina Tiefel, and Patty Sears, for their wonderful, kind, loving care and bringing him so much joy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Christian Church of Brazil, Cornerstone Christian Academy, or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be at Lawson-Miller Chapel, 1702 E. National Ave., Brazil, IN 47834 on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Services will be held at 1:00 PM with Pastor Chris Gregg officiating. Burial will follow at Clearview Cemetery.

www.frenchfuneralhome.com