David Donald Claypool

David Donald Claypool, 83, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Gonzales Health Care Center on May 16, 2025.

Born in Kalispell, Montana, on May 22, 1941, to Donald and Helen Claypool, David graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a degree in Chemical Engineering, later earning a Master’s from Rice University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve. He built a remarkable 60-year career across the global chemical, technology, and biotech industries.

He helped co-found BioFluidica, Inc. alongside Dr. Soper at LSU and served as Chief Operating Officer from 2007 to 2017. During that time, he led the early development of non-technical operations and later continued part-time as interim COO during the company’s transition to new leadership.

David was known for his positive attitude, witty sense of humor, strong work ethic, and his deep love of Montana. He traveled the world throughout his life but always returned to his hometown of Kalispell to ski, hike, and reconnect with the mountains he cherished. An avid adventurer, he also loved to scuba dive, finding peace beneath the water just as he did among the peaks. A true Yogalates enthusiast, David embraced movement and wellness with the same dedication he brought to his work and family.

He is survived by his son of 41 years, Christopher Claypool (married to Sofiya Claypool); his daughter of 38 years, Samantha Claypool (engaged to Clayton Daigle); and his sister, Kathryn (William) Quast; Sister in law Vivianna McCoy Claypool; Cousin Joni Long; and Leilani Wirth Martin.

Nephew and Nieces (and their spouses): Greg Quast (Melissa and their children Dietrich & Torsten); Jennifer (Sam Van den Abeele and their children Dante and Mateo); Jessica Claypool (Akuila with their children Timothy and Jovesa Fokilau); Janine Sazinsky (Steve and their children Oliver and Miriam Sazinsky); and Joni Claypool and significant other TJ Hyde. Preceded by his father Donald, mother Helen, and brother Bob Claypool.

David showed tremendous strength and resilience in his final year of life, following a stroke in June 2024 and a second while in the hospital. Despite the complications of dysphagia and recurrent aspiration pneumonia, he faced each day with determination and grace.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Please join us in celebrating the life of a truly wonderful father, brother, relative, and friend.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 28, at 2:00 p.m. at Ascension Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Flowers may be sent directly to the funeral home at: Ascension Funeral Home, 426 W New River Street, Gonzales, LA 70737