Nicholas Andrew Clayton

FUNERAL HOME

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home

1500 Frederick Road

Opelika, Alabama

Nicholas Clayton Obituary

Name: Visitation for Nicholas Andrew Clayton
Start: 2022-10-09T13:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-10-09T14:00:00.000Z
Location: Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home

Nicholas Andrew Clayton

November 27, 1989 - October 1, 2022

Nicholas Andrew Clayton was born November 27, 1989 in San Marcos, TX to Rebecca Kaiser Clayton and Jerry Eugene Clayton. He joined his Heavenly Father October 1, 2022 at 9:05 a.m. His time on earth, while short, was dedicated to family and service to our nation and others.

Nick received an appointment to and attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO from 2008 to 2013, completing his Baccalaureate in Science - Chemistry. Following graduation, he was commissioned by his uncle, Lt Col. Gregory Kaiser and positioned as a Logistic Readiness Officer at FE Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY. He was an exemplary leader by stature and example. Captain Clayton felt the need to use his Chemistry knowledge however and separated from the Air Force 2018. He was currently employed by Cemex as an Environmental Manager.

Early in 2021, Nick met his life partner Deona Godwin and soon after became a family of 5. His transition to fatherhood was remarkable and an obvious joyful time. Their residence is in Vinemont, AL.

Nicholas was an accomplished athlete in his formative years earning the 2008 Alabama High School State Discus Champion title in Track and Field. He continued to enjoy working out with his best friend and brother, Zach.

He enjoyed all things mechanized and considered re-building and revitalizing things extremely rewarding. His most notable rebuild was his 1994 2500 12 valve Dodge Ram diesel truck. It was a complete re-build inside and outside with every part touched. It was his pride and joy.

He was an outdoorsman and genuinely loved the mountains. Camping was his vacation of choice and hiking and exploring new hobbies occupied the reminder of his free time.

Nicholas had an absolutely Brilliant Mind and Beautiful Soul but a battle that stirred within.

To further understand "What Happened?" please see www.ptsd.va.gov

He is survived by his wife, Deona Michelle Clayton; step-children: Skyler (17), Autumn (16), Liam (9); his dog and canine twin, Charles Brown; parents: Jerry Eugene Clayton and Rebecca Kaiser Clayton; Eternal Best Friend/Brother: Zachary Alan Clayton (Tara); nieces: Rylie Grace (9) Thea Faith (2); numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

"Come to me," Jesus said, "all who are weary and heavy burdened…. And I will give you rest for your soul."

In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider donating to Clayton Family Fund to ensure his family remains solvent while settling his estate. Donations may be made out to and mailed to: Jerry Clayton, 4313 Pebble Shore Dr. Opelika, AL 36804. OR Donate to Tunnels to Towers https://www.t2t.org/donate/ in Memory of Nicholas Andrew Clayton using [email protected] for the e-card.

A memorial service will be held 2:00pm, Sunday, October 9, 2022 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 1:00pm prior to the service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Opelika-Auburn News on Oct. 7, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Clayton

Sponsored by Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

8 Entries

Rachelle

September 15, 2023

Nick was a wonderful man & I'm grateful for the time I had with him. I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. This truly hurts my heart!

Nico Gigante

August 22, 2023

It saddens me that I'm only finding out about this now. I've detached myself from Facebook for a long time. I recently learned of Nick's passing because USAFA class of 2013 is trying to organize our 10-year reunion. Nick's name was on the list of departed members of our class.

Nick was a great guy all around. He was my roommate at the USAFA Preparatory School in 2008. I've had meaningful conversations with Nick during our Basic Training at the Prep School. We talked about our lives and our goals. I remember him being in panic on some nights because he always wanted to do things right. As a prior-enlisted member of the Air Force I always assured him he was doing great. From what was written from his obituary it would seem that he has truly accomplished what he set out to do and left lasting impression with his family and friends.

My condolences to the family and friends he left behind. Nick was a wonderful person and he will be missed deeply.

Robert & Christy Apodaca

October 16, 2022

What a huge loss of a beautiful soul. Nick was the reason we told people why they should be Cadet Sponsors when we lived in Colorado Springs. I can still hear his laugh.

Ed Locke, USAFA '95

October 10, 2022

As a fellow USAFA grad my heart goes out to the family. I didn't know Nick, but I am sure we walked the same ground, lived similar experiences and struggled with similar challenges. Thank You Nick for your service. "All gave some. Some gave all."

USAF Retired Connie Tolbert-McClinton & Army Veteran Jamaal McClinton

October 9, 2022

Sincere condolences to the family during this time of bereavement.

Betsy Logan

October 9, 2022

I am so very sorry to hear this news about Nick. He was in my art class at Auburn Junior High before he transferred to Opelika. He was a wonderful and caring student. I was a little sad when he moved to Opelika. I kept up with all of his accomplishments. Please accept my deepest sympathy during this most difficult time.