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Ernest D. "Ernie" Claypoole

Ernest D. "Ernie" Claypoole, 76, of Ford City, PA, passed away on Wednesday, Sept., 30, 2020 at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital

He was born on March 23, 1944 in Worthington, to Blair Thomas and Edna Pearl (Baker) Claypoole.

Ernie graduated from Worthington High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a military police officer. He was a member of the Franklin Union Baptist Church, the Keystone Kruisers car club, subordinate, county and PA State Grange and after retiring learned to western square dance with the Alamo Squares. He loved to travel, bowl, read and had a keen appreciation for nature and the outdoors.

Ernie was a truck driver by trade, starting his 42 year career driving for Claypoole Trucking, his father's company. He then worked for various companies and retired from Air Products and Chemicals in 2006. He was honored many times for his skill and professionalism, which included being a member of two different "million mile safe driving" teams. He considered his career choice one of his life's blessings, because of the enjoyment it brought him. As a wonderful consequence of this love of driving, he and his wife, Karen VanHorn Claypoole, had 53 years of beautiful road trip vacations.

Ernie cherished his family and friends. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Karen; and his daughter, Kathryn Ella Claypoole of Ford City, Pa. He is also survived by and will be sadly missed by his brothers, Bernard (Jean) Claypoole of Kingman, AZ, Rodrick (Claudia) Claypoole of Worthington, Pa. Everett Claypoole of Tuscumbia, AL, and Dennis (Cheryl) Claypoole of Worthington, Pa.; his sisters, Shirley Smouse of Corry, Pa. and Carolyn Renwick of Worthington, Pa. and his many nieces and nephews.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Louis Claypoole.

Friends and family may gather from 4 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020 at the Franklin Union Baptist Church, 106 Century Hill Lane, Worthington, Pa. with Rev. Scott Jones officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ernie's honor to Camp Judson, 398 Holiday Road, North Springfield, PA 16430, a charity Ernie cared deeply about.

Due to current regulations, all social distancing guidelines will be followed. Guests are respectfully asked to wear a mask or face covering.

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