Jerry Claybaugh
Jerry Lee “Scoop” Claybaugh, 64, passed away Saturday, Jan. 24, 2014, at the IU Health Goshen Hospital after a year-long battle with cancer.
He was born Aug. 6, 1949, in Goshen, Ind., to Lawrence and Patricia (Cook) Claybaugh. He graduated from Syracuse High School in 1968 and attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, studying radio communications. He married Belinda Elliott on Aug. 23, 1980.
A lifelong resident of Syracuse, he worked for Sea Nymph Boat Co. in sales and accounting. He was also a popular fixture as a bartender at the Frog, Beacon, Sleepy Owl and Waterfront restaurants. Until becoming ill in the spring of 2013, he worked for Wawasee Golf Course.
Jerry was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Syracuse Post 223 and past commander. He was a member of the Men’s Auxiliary of the VFW Post 1342, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3760 and the Moose Bluffton, Ind., Lodge 242. He was also a member of St. Andrew’s UM Church in Syracuse.
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, and was an avid fan of Notre Dame football, IU basketball and Chicago Cubs baseball.
He is survived by his wife: Belinda; two nieces: Erin (Anthony) Cicero and Ellen (Greg) Cicero; five great nieces; many close friends including Ross and Gretchen Heil; and his precious dog: Cosmo.
Calling will be from noon to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, with a funeral service following at 3 p.m. in Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse. Pastor Ed Beedle of St. Andrew’s and Pastor Gary Elsten of Frankton UM Church will officiate.
Memorials may be given to New Hope Pet Refuse and the American Cancer Society of Kosciusko County.