Clayton T. Thompson

When a man passes, all that is know n when people see his headstone are two dates. The date he was born and the date he died. But it is those years represented by the dash between those two dates that are the most important. Those are the years that made him the man he was, and those are the years that will be carried in the memories of his loved ones. Growing up on a farm in Hawley, Minnesota until WWII sent him to Europe. Serving as a medic in Gen. S. Patton's 3rd Armored Division. Being hit by shrapnel twice during Gen. Patton's rush to come to the aid of the Battling Bastards of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. The second wound sending Clayton home and back to the family farm. The marriage of Clayton to Gladys Olson in Fargo, North Dakota 1952. The birth of their three children Steven, Jenell, and Mona, on that farm. The decision to sell the farm and move to Orick, California in 1959, where he went to work for Arcata Redwood. In his retirement, he and Gladys roamed around the countryside in an RV. Along the way they saw their only grandson, Christopher, join the family. They put down roots for awhile in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Eventually age caught up with them and they begrudgingly agreed to move to Anderson, California to live with their daughter, Jenell. The marriage of Christopher to Rashell and the birth of their two great-grand children Annika and Chase were enjoyed by all. Alzheimer's robbed Clayton of his precious memories long before his body finally gave out. He slipped into the folds of time peacefully during his sleep. The dash between those two dates that will be etched onto his headstone may not look like much to the passer-by, but holds the life of a man who was much loved in its mark. And we will remember. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.