SYRACUSE – Jerry Lee “Scoop” Claybaugh, 64, Syracuse, passed away Jan. 25, 2014, after a year-long battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 6, 1949, in Goshen, to Lawrence and Patricia Cook Claybaugh. On Aug. 23, 1980, he married Belinda Elliott, who survives in Syracuse. They were married 33 years. He graduated from Syracuse High School in 1968 and attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, studying radio communications. A lifelong resident of Syracuse, he worked for Sea Nymph Boat Company in sales and accounting. He was also a popular fixture as bartender at the Frog, Beacon, Sleepy Owl and Waterfront (now known as the Channel Marker) restaurants. Until becoming ill in spring 2013, he worked at Wawasee Golf Course, enjoying the interaction with the golfing public. He was a member and past commander of the Sons of the American Legion, Syracuse Post 223. 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. Civic minded, he served on the board of Lakeland Youth Center and participated in the mayoral race for the Syracuse Sesquicentennial. He enjoyed activities of Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake, and was an avid fan of Notre Dame football, I.U. basketball and Chicago Cubs baseball. He was a member of St. Andrew’s U.M. Church in Syracuse. He loved being with people, never knew a stranger and was well known to regale his friends with entertaining antics and embellishment of his exploits. Also surviving are his precious dog, Cosmo; two brothers-in-law, David (and spouse Sherry) Elliott, Syracuse, and Roger (and spouse Susan) Reed, Anderson; a sister-in-law, Mary Alkire, 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. Services will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, with Pastors Ed Beedle of St. Andrews United Methodist Church and Gary Elsten of Frankton United Methodist Church officiating. Calling is from noon to 3 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A gathering of friends will be at a later date. ***** Memorials to New Hope Pet Refuge and the American Cancer Society of Kosciusko County, or to donor’s choice.
