Crescent Hill Baptist Church

News of John Claypool's death

We received word that former CHBC pastor John R. Claypool passed away early this morning in an Atlanta hospital. Dr. Claypool was pastor at Crescent Hill from 1960-1971 and has remained a dear friend to many in our congregation. During this time of grief we especially remember his son Rowan and grandson John Rowan, who are members of our family of faith, and his wife Ann.
Many of you are aware that Dr. Claypool has been battling cancer for many months. He had been at home earlier in the week but returned to the hospital with persistent fever and a bacterial infection.
Below is a message from Allen Samford, who has sent regular updates on Dr. Claypool's condition throughout his illness. Allen is a close friend and former parishioner of Dr. Claypool's at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Birmingham.
As information becomes available concerning funeral arrangements and memorial gifts, we will pass that along.
Janet Cole, Administrative Assistant to the Pastor
Crescent HIll Baptist Church

My Dear Friends;
I have been sitting here for what seems like hours trying to figure out the proper words, the right words, any words to ease the cold, harsh reality of what I must tell you all now. John has died. There is no easy way to say it, there is no magic phrase that will do that which we all want -- make it not so. Our dear friend John is gone from us.

Almighty God, our Father in heaven, before whom live all who die in the Lord: Receive our dear brother John into the courts of your heavenly dwelling place. Let his heart and soul now ring out in joy to you, O Lord, the living God, and the God of those who live. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen BCP page 466

This is an update that I never looked forward to writing. Words cannot capture the depth of my feelings at this moment. In speaking of his beloved daughter, Laura Lue, John said that she had set out on a journey, which he could not make with her. But she would one day be there waiting for him. I can only imagine her beautiful smiling face as she stands there, waiting on her father, arms outstretched.
Ann called yesterday to say that she had returned John to the hospital because of a persistent fever. The doctors said it was the c-dif, the bacterial infection (Clostridium difficile) which he has been valiantly fighting for some time. Later yesterday they moved him into the ICU because his condition was worsening.
The treatment plan was working as his fever reduced, his blood pressure returned to almost normal, and his kidneys seemed to be functioning ok. Friday morning he was joking with Ann and the medical staff that he always seemed to come to the hospital on holidays. He was doing well enough last night that the doctors told Ann to go home and get some sleep.
About nine o'clock, however, the hospital called and told her to come back. She was with him all night. His blood pressure dropped and his heart continued to beat hard, he was in septic shock. He fought through this before but was just too weak this time. The doctors told Ann when the time became imminent, allowing her to hold him, tell him she loved him and be with him when he left us and joined Laura Lue on the journey.

Deliver your servant, John, O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set him free from every bond; that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
BCP page 467


I will let everyone know when the funeral arrangements are finalized. Ann has spoken with their family and they are heading quickly to be with each other. I know we all hold them all tightly in our hearts and raise them up in our prayers and want to do something for them, there is just nothing we can do right this moment.
I dare say almost all, if not all, of John's life has been spent preparing himself and us for the life after this life. He has simply begun that next stage of the journey. His glad reunion with his parents, his daughter and angels and arch-angels and all the company of saints is complete. The heavenly choir is singing loudly. Our dear friend John Claypool has come home. I can hear them all saying in one voice, Well done good and faithful servant.

Brave journey and Godspeed John.

John Rowan Claypool, IV
December 15, 1930 -- September 3, 2005


CRESCENT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH
2800 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40206
(502) 896-4425


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