LeRoy Lee Clabaugh

LeRoy (Lee) Clabaugh, age 78, went to be with the Lord on March 2, 2023. He was born in Boone, Iowa on January 9, 1945, to parents Clinton and Arline (Frette) Clabaugh. Lee graduated from Boone high school in 1964. After attending Boone Junior College, he entered the Army in 1967. He proudly served for 2+ years, reaching the rank of E-5. Upon returning home he married his high school sweetheart Marilyn Howard on July 31, 1970. From this marriage they had 3 wonderful children; Julie, Kristina, and Eric. They remained lovingly married until his passing. In 1970 Lee entered law enforcement and served the communities of Boone and Denison. In 1975 he began his career in insurance as a claims adjustor. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the designation of Senior Claims Law Associate. After 42 years in this field he retired as a Liability Claims Specialist. Lee was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather until God called him home. He would take his kids and grandkids fishing, bowling, or teaching them the game of golf, as well as enjoying long walks with Marilyn. He spent most weekends on a ladder painting something or digging out his tools to fix or remodel something else. Even if those projects weren’t complete, he never failed to make time for a round of golf or watching the Dallas Cowboys and Iowa Hawkeyes. Lee was well known for his quick wit and sense of humor; he enjoyed making people laugh. After retiring, Lee and Marilyn spent their free time with friends and family. His face would light up when he talked about or saw his grandchildren: Scott, Lauren, Matthew and Ava. Lee’s first great grandchild is due in June, and although he didn’t get to meet her, he was overjoyed with the news! LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents. Lee is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Howard) Clabaugh; daughter, Julie Wittmuss (Troy) Matthew Wittmuss; daughter, Kristina Hamilton, Scott Tucker (Kari w/great granddaughter on the way), Lauren Hamilton; son, Eric Clabaugh (Wendy) Ava Clabaugh; Lee’s brothers Carroll (Joyce) Clabaugh; Larry Clabaugh; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday May 6th, 2023 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 517 SW Des Moines Street in Ankeny, Iowa 50023. A celebration of life luncheon will be held immediately following at 12:30pm at the American Legion Hall 521 SW 3rd Street Ankeny, Iowa 50023. Memorial contributions may be made to the LeRoy C. Clabaugh memorial at Banker’s Trust, 1925 N. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023. Lee will be laid to rest during a private ceremony at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

LeRoy Lee Clabaugh

January 9, 1945 - March 2, 2023