Eli Zachary Claypool

Eli Zachary Claypool, 16 of New Plymouth, died November 4, 2017. He was born June 8, 2001 in Ontario, Oregon, the son of Dallas and JoEllen Claypool. Eli was in the 11th grade and was also taking a college class at the Caldwell Campus of Treasure Valley Community College.

Eli was a member of the Washington Civil War Association where he helped to bring history to life for hundreds of spectators. He participated in a local Last Days of Jesus Easter play from the age of 3 years old. His heart for serving Jesus was boldly proclaimed through his activities at Sand Hollow Baptist Church and New Plymouth First Baptist Church. He was a difference maker through his teaching, mentoring and building of relationships with the youth in those churches working in the Adventure Club, Awana program, Vacation Bible Schools, the Launch Pad Classes, youth groups, and more.

Eli was an avid football and baseball fan. He put his all into playing for the New Plymouth High School, Babe Ruth, and Legion baseball teams. He understood the value of these team sports and was an encourager on and off the field. He took the instruction of his coaches to heart and, out of respect for those coaches, applied the instruction.

He enjoyed forging with his dad, hanging with his brothers, and making his mama laugh every day with his quick wit, his physical mannerisms to accompany that wit, and his contagious smile. And Eli loved with his whole being.

Eli is survived by his parents, Dallas and JoEllen Claypool of New Plymouth, his brothers Christopher of New Plymouth, Justin (Kimmy) of Seaside, OR, David (Alejandra) of Riverside, CA and Jordan of Billings, MT and sisters Desire (Jeremy) Alaniz of Washington and Patricia (Adam) Morris of North Carolina. He is also survived by his paternal grandmother, Kathleen Claypool and maternal grandparents, Roger and JoAnn Biesheuvel, all of Gillette, WY and two of his great-grandmothers, Nell Ringguth and Irene Biesheuvel. He is also survived by his aunts, Christina, Jennifer, Lesha, Jenni and Eliza; uncles, Jim and Justin; cousins, Kyla, Radley, Johnny, Warren, Rayna, Madison, Brett; nieces, Lillyana, Paisley, Charlotte Lemon, Priscilla, Presley, Haiden, and Candace; nephews, Stetson, Julian, and Lucas; numerous great aunts and uncles and many friends who love and adore him. Eli was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Errol Claypool and one cousin, Kody Cross.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 11th at the First Baptist Church in New Plymouth. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel.