Melvin Lee Claypole, 77, of Richmond, died Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Glen Claypole and Beulah Mae (Trindle) Claypole and a brother, Gary Lynn Claypole.  

He is survived by two sisters, Linda Bost of Spokane, WA and Judi Umscheid of Gladstone, MO; and his friend, Susan Pride; two nephews, Daniel Claypole and Christopher Claypole; two nieces, Dana Autry and Susan Owens; and several nieces and nephews. 

Melvin lived his entire life in the Richmond area and graduated from Richmond High School. He was employed for most of his life as a builder. Many in the Richmond area benefited from his skills. He worked for a commercial construction company, Titan Construction, for fifteen years until he was injured on the job in 1999. 

He was a Christian and a member of First Baptist Church of Richmond. There are no formal services planned, per his request. To honor him, any donation to a children’s charity would be a blessing.