Melvin Claypool
Melvin Claypool, 96, of Scottville, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026. Melvin was born on March 31, 1929 in Amber Township, the oldest child of Melvin Linus and Nettie (Ames) Claypool and graduated from Scottville High School with the class of 1947. On August 29, 1959 he married Doris Potter Trim in Ludington and they celebrated 54 years together before Doris preceded him in death in 2014. Melvin was also preceded in death by his parents; his sons Richard and Ralph Claypool, his daughter Darlene Dawson; and his brother and sisters Stella Danielson, John Claypool, Ruth Johnson, and Nettie Claypool.
Melvin was a carpenter by trade, but was much more than that – he was a master craftsman. He made furniture of all kinds and was well known for his custom cabinetry. He constructed and installed cabinets for many high ranking officials in the state, including the governor of Michigan, but it was the personal items he made for members of his family that meant the most to him. Melvin enjoyed the quiet found in hunting and fishing, and most recently became an avid reader. He and Doris were longtime members of Victory Baptist Church.
Melvin will be greatly missed by his children Robert (Carol) Trim of Grand Rapids, William (Judy) Trim of Ludington, Dr. Lori Claypool (Lisa Hessheimer, PhD) of Memphis, Mo., Penny (Bill) Deming of Fenton; his daughter-in-law Debbie Claypool of Shelby Township; his son-in-law Jeff Dawson of St. Johns; his “surrogate” daughter Christy Christmas of Ludington; 24 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren and great, great-children; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held for Melvin at noon on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Victory Baptist Church with his grandson Pastor Jory Trim officiating. Burial will take place next to his beloved Doris at South Victory Cemetery later this spring. Friends may meet with Melvin’s family on Saturday morning from 11 a.m. until time of services at the church. Those who wish to remember Melvin with a memorial donation are asked to please consider Victory Baptist Church.
Please visit Melvin’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a memory or tribute of Melvin with his family.
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