Eugene Clayton

1933 - 2013

Eugene M. Clayton

BUCYRUS: Eugene Mitchell Clayton, 80, of Bucyrus, died Monday, September 30, 2013 at Heartland of Bucyrus.

Gene was born July 1, 1933 in Bucyrus to the late John R. and Goldie A. (Mitchell) Clayton. He attended school in Bucyrus and in 1951 enlisted with the US Air Force serving until 1955. Gene returned to Bucyrus where he worked at Swan Rubber for a short time before feeling the need to re-enlist with the Air Force in 1961. Later that year, on September 22, he married Barbara Ann Flock and she survives. He served in the Air Force until he retired in 1977.

Gene worked for a foundry in Marion and was transferred to John Schuler Foundry in Bucyrus until they closed and a few years later, he became the Crawford County Dog Warden where he enjoyed working until retiring in the early 1990's.

Gene was a simple man who enjoyed his daily routine, especially time spent every morning with his wife watching the birds eat from the feeders he filled while the two of them drank their coffee and enjoyed each other's company. Gene enjoyed being outdoors where he used to hunt, enjoyed working his garden and taking care of his lawn and if there was a body of water with fish in it, Gene would be there fishing as this was a lifelong hobby. He was a member of VFW Post 8999 and he always found time to watch OSU football and catch the Cleveland Indians or Browns.

Gene enjoyed spending holidays with family and, in addition to his wife of 52 years, they include two children, Holly Ann (Donnie) Mofford of Bucyrus and Ray M. (Linda) Clayton of North Robinson; three grandchildren, Ashley (Russ) Kielbolwick, Keith Liles and Cody Reinhart, all of Bucyrus; two great-grandchildren, Ethan Liles and Alexandria Liles and one sister, Della June Grogg of Crestline. He is preceded in death by two brothers, John and Tom Clayton and a sister, Gloria Zahara.

His family will receive friends from 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, October 2 at Wise Funeral Service. A procession will then travel to Oakwood Cemetery for a graveside funeral beginning at 1:00 p.m. Mark Dettmer, Certified Life Celebrant, will officiate and full military rites will be provided by the U.S. Air Force and American Legion Post 181 Honor Guards.

Memorial contributions may be given to Wounded Warrior Project; Humane Society serving Crawford County or Bucyrus Salvation Army through the funeral home. To share an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.wisefuneral.com.