Arthur Cambre Claypoole

Arthur Cambre Claypoole, 85, of Anabel, MO, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at his home surrounded by family and friends.

Arthur was born on November 13, 1939, at the family home north of Ten Mile, to Perry S. Claypoole and Mattie Kaster Claypoole. Arthur attended Ten Mile country school then graduated from Macon High School in 1957. His high school activities included FFA serving as Vice-President and earning his State Farmer Degree. He also played football, ran track, and was a member of M Club. After high school, Arthur completed Army basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and later trained at Fort Ord, CA. He was a decorated marksman, achieving high score for the M-1 Rifle in the 2nd Battalion. After completion of basic training, he returned home to farm with his father, and continued serving in the Army Reserves before retiring PFC rank in January 1965. His life was dedicated to farming which included row crops of soybeans, corn, milo, and wheat and livestock including Angus cattle, hogs, emu and horses. He was particularly fond of his farm dogs through the years, calling them his "best friends." He semi-retired from farming in 2014.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ina Mae Luedloff in 1999, and an infant brother, Buddy Fay Claypoole in 1928.

Together with Doris Claypoole, he raised, on the family farm south of Redman, MO, three surviving children: Joe Claypoole and Jennifer Claypoole of Macon, and Janet (Kent) Ravenscraft of Kansas City, MO. He is survived by seven grandchildren: David (Janelle) Claypoole, Krista (John L) Bruno, Ryan (Kaytlin) Claypoole, Eric (Kaitlin) Claypoole, all of Macon, Brooke Ravenscraft of Omaha, NE, Courtney Ravenscraft of Kansas City, MO and Justina (Lee) Edwards of Bevier; eight great-grandchildren Mackenzie (Clarke) Blodgett of Columbia, Maddison Claypoole, Bryer Bruno, Ryder Claypoole and Rylan Claypoole all of Macon, Brayson, Blakley and Brecklynn Edwards all of Bevier; and a great-grandchild and a great, great-grandchild both on the way. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Don Luedloff and nephew/godson Barry Luedloff, both of Wentzville, MO and nephew Brian Luedloff of Greenley, CO; several cousins and other extended family and friends.

Arthur was baptized in a pond near Ten Mile Baptist church in the 1950s along with his mother. He was active at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church while raising his family serving as Sunday School Superintendent. He renewed his baptism in 1974 and in later years, was a member at Macon United Methodist Church. He served his community on the FHA County Committee. Arthur was a member of the Macon County Young Farmers Association. In the late 1970s, the Claypoole's were named Macon County Farm Family of the Year. He was awarded an FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree in 1984 for his support of Macon High School FFA sometimes donating a hog for the annual banquet. Arthur enjoyed riding horses on trail rides and in parades. He bought, sold and refurbished antique tractors and equipment, which he also enjoyed pulling in tractor pulls and in parades. In 2011, he was a top 5 finalist in the Missouri Livestock Symposium Classic Tractor Contest, finishing 1st runner up, with his restored 1952 Ford 8N tractor. He said he should have entered a green tractor in order to win!

Arthur will be long remembered as a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. He would respond to "how are you" questions with "ornery as ever" and "fair to middling." He enjoyed Macon County and agricultural history. He was a farmer, hunter, conservationist, antique equipment collector and proud member of the NRA. He was especially proud of his motorcycle and conceal and carry licenses and participated in the Patriot Guard for a few years.

As per Arthur's wishes, no services will be held, and Arthur will be cremated. A private family good-bye will take place at a later date with final resting place at Ten Mile Baptist Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ten Mile Baptist Cemetery and mailed to the funeral home, where his parents, infant brother, and several aunts and uncles are buried.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Compassus Hospice of Macon and to his many caregivers in his final years and months especially Beckie Hruska and Paula Mallet.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hutton & McElwain Funeral Home in Macon, MO.