IN MEMORY OF LEWIS ELMER CLAYPOOL
December 7, 1933 – September 16, 2025
Lewis Elmer Claypool, 91, passed away on September 16, 2025. Born on December 7,
1933, in Niantic, Illinois, to Arthur and Lena Claypool, Lewis spent his life in the town he
proudly called home.
Lewis attended Niantic-Harristown High School and remained a lifelong resident. After
serving as a military police officer during the Korean War, Lewis began a 30-year career
in management with Rohm and Haas, where he worked until his retirement. Alongside
his career, he owned a Phillips 66 full-service gas station and later opened a restaurant,
recognizing the need for a place where people in Niantic could gather and enjoy a meal.
Lewis also dedicated himself to public service. For several years he served as mayor of
Niantic and as township supervisor, taking pride in helping make his hometown a good
place to live and raise a family. He cared deeply about the people around him and was
always willing to lend a hand.
Lewis had a remarkable ability to carry on a conversation with just about anyone, on
any subject. Although his formal education ended with high school, he was
exceptionally knowledgeable and stayed current on what was happening in the world
around him. He enjoyed talking with people, but more importantly, he genuinely
listened. His interest in others was sincere, and he had a natural ability to engage
people in thoughtful conversation and make them feel that what they had to say
mattered.
Lewis is survived by his loving wife, Connie; their four children, David, Ronald, Debra,
and Michael; and four grandchildren, Connor, Sydney, Jackson, and Lauren.
Lewis will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of
knowing him. He will be remembered for his intelligence, curiosity, humor, generosity,
and genuine interest in others. Most of all, he will be remembered simply as a husband,
father, grandfather, and friend who was always there when people needed him.
