Jerry Claybaugh
Jerry Lee (SCOOP) Claybaugh, age 64, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2014, after a year-long battle with cancer.
He was born August 6, 1949, in Goshen, Indiana to Lawrence and Patricia (Cook) Claybaugh. He graduated from Syracuse High School in 1968 and attended University of Wisconsin, Madison studying radio communications. He married Belinda Elliott August 23, 1980.
A lifelong resident of Syracuse worked for Sea Nymph Boat Company in Sales and accounting. He was also a popular fixture as bar tender at the Frog, Beacon, Sleepy Owl, and Waterfront (now known as the Channel Marker) restaurants. Until becoming ill in spring of 2013, he worked at Wawasee Golf Course, enjoying the interaction with the golfing public.
Jerry was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Syracuse Post 223 and past commander. He was also a member of the Men’s Auxiliary of the VFW Post 1342, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3760, and the Moose Bluffton Indiana Lodge 242.
Civically minded, he served on the board of Lakeland Youth Center and participated in the Mayoral Race for the Syracuse Sesquicentennial. Jerry enjoyed activities of Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake, was an avid fan of Notre Dame football, IU basketball, and Chicago Cubs baseball.
He was a member of St. Andrew’s UM church in Syracuse.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Belinda, his precious dog Cosmo, brothers in law -David (Sherry) Elliott of Syracuse and Roger (Susan) Reed of Anderson. Sister in law – Mary Alkire of Fort Wayne. Several nieces and nephews and many close and dear friends. With no children of their own, he also leaves behind Ross and Gretchen Heil with whom he had special bonds.
Scoop loved being with people, never knew a stranger, and was well known to regale his friends with entertaining antics and embellishment of his exploits.
Services will be Friday, January 31, 2014 at 3:00 pm with calling from noon until the service time at the Eastlund Funeral Home.
Service will be officiated by Pastor Ed Beedle of St. Andrews UM Church and Pastor Gary Elsten of Frankton UM Church. Memorials may be given to New Hope Pet Refuge and the American Cancer Society of Kosciusko County, or charity of your choice. A gathering of friends will be held at a later date.