Roger R. Claypool dies at 78

Roger R. Claypool, age 78, of New Hampton, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 at Linn Haven Rehabilitation and Healthcare in New Hampton.
A Memorial Service for Roger will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in New Hampton with Reverend Candraeah Carey officiating. Burial will take place prior to the service at Hampton Cemetery located in Hampton. 
Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton. Online condolences for Roger's family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Roger R. Claypool was born Nov. 15, 1938 in Hampton, Iowa.  He was the second of two sons born to Delos and Agnes (Crandall) Claypool.  Roger attended Stoney Point Country School for a year, then attended grade and middle school in Chapin, Iowa, graduating from Hampton High School in 1957.  He graduated from Drake University with a bachelor’s Degree in Music education.  While attending Drake he sang tenor in an all-male choir at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.  Past graduate studies were done at Drake, UNI and the University of Iowa.
Roger’s 35 years of teaching included Ben Franklin Senior High in Des Moines, Hubbard High School and Keota High School before moving to New Hampton in 1966, where he was the Junior High Band Director for 30 years.
In 1967, with the help of Robert Utterback, he started the Parade of Bands Concert, which continues today.
In 1962, Roger married Sandra Logan.  Together, they raised three children.  He greatly enjoyed fishing and traveling with anyone willing to go with him.  Trips with the family on the house boat or motor home were highlights.  Being with family was very important to him.
There were also many fishing trips with various anglers willing to sit in a boat for hours at a time.  Rarely did his vehicle pass an ice cream shop without stopping.
Roger joined Lions Club early in his career. He served in most of the offices, but held the secretary’s position for years.  He directed the Methodist Church Choir for many years, and he directed a Community Choir singing parts of “The Messiah” for two years.
Roger is survived by Sandra, his wife of 55 years; son, Jeff (Kim) Claypool of Ottumwa; daughter, Jeree (Bob) Svec of New Hampton; son, Dan (Mindy) Claypool of Ballwin, Mo; granddaughters, Abby, Samantha, Morgan and Alison Claypool and grandson, Trevor Svec; his sister-in-law, Mavis Claypool; nephews, Gary Claypool and Bryce Claypool all from Hampton.
Preceding him in death were his parents, and brother, Lee Claypool