John Robert "Bob" Claypool

John Robert “Bob” Claypool, 88, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, with Arlene by his side, holding his hand, at Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa. In agreement with his wishes, cremation has taken place. To honor and celebrate Bob’s life on his 89th birthday, a Masonic Service will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, where the family will greet friends following the service until 7 p.m. A private committal service will take place at a later date.

Bob was born on October 7, 1937, at his grandfather’s house in South English, Iowa, the first of five children born to John Lester and Esther Alice (Grove) Claypool. He graduated from Marion High School in 1956. Bob worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for 20 years, until the railroad left Cedar Rapids. He then spent a few years as a delivery driver for Brownberry, delivering bread along his route. Bob later worked as a cashier at the First Avenue Parkade for the City of Cedar Rapids for 20 years, before retiring. Bob was a Mason with the Trojan Masonic Lodge #548 in Marion for nearly 60 years.

Arlene and Bob celebrated their 40th anniversary on September 11, 2026. They shared 40 years of love, laughter, and loads of fun. Cribbage was a must every day (even a small travel one), dancing and eating out weekly with Pat and Harold Burkhart, cards, games, traveling to shows, dancing with Bob’s classmates, Buzz and Mary Robertson, golf, poker, lodge with Paul Brauer and classmate, Bob Bunting, were only some of the things Bob enjoyed. He was a dedicated Cubs fan – caught a ball at one game, Cedar Rapids Kernels fan, and an Iowa Hawkeye football fan. Arlene and Bob traveled extensively to Hawaii, Canada, the United Kingdom, 47 U.S. states, and (their favorite) to Japan to see “J.R.” and family, where they surprised them with an outing with cake and goodies on their 30th anniversary.

Bob is survived and lovingly remembered by his best friend, confidant, and love of his life, Arlene Wiley of Marion; her sons, Darrell and Curtis Wiley and their families; his daughter, Dianne (Perry) Cook of Waukee, Iowa; his son, Gary (Dorothy) Claypool of Ankeny, Iowa; two grandchildren, Jennifer Cook of Waukee, and James “J.R.” (Chou) Cook of Japan and great-grandson, Eddie Cook; five step-grandchildren; four sisters, Carolyn McCleary of Marion, Donna Wheeler of Hiawatha, Pat Anderson of Cedar Rapids, and Phyllis Stalkfleet of Marion; as well as a host of extended family members, including aunts, uncles, cousins, and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers-in-law, Marlin McCleary, Robert Wheeler, and Gary Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s memory may be directed to Arlene for distribution later.

Arlene would like to express her sincere gratitude to Pam and Kim who came to the house; as well as Teresa and Kristi (Toot, Toot); and the staff at Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, for the love, care, and support they gave to Bob throughout his illness and final days.