Clayton M. Carmody

Clayton M. Carmody

Colo

Clayton M. (Bus) Carmody, lifelong resident of Colo, Iowa, dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, and the list goes on, including friend, mentor, community leader, and initiator, died Wednesday evening, December 26, surrounded by loving family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Pat, son, Thomas (Laurie) of Phoenix, and six daughters, Cathryn Carmody of Ames, Chris (Charles) Rasmusson of Nevada, Sue (Harold) Knoesel of St. Louis, MO, Sally (Michael) Keeney of Salem, OR, Beth (Bobbie) Johnson of Phoenix, and Andrea (Rick) Meade of Southern Pines, NC, 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grand-children and one great-great grandchild, and countless friends and loved ones.

Clayton was born April 5, 1923, to Thomas and Florence (Kniel) Carmody, the third of four children. He was raised on the family farm outside Colo. He graduated from the Colo Community Schools in 1940. He was a proud member of the undefeated 1938 Blue Devil football squad. After graduation he and high school friends traveled to California and worked in the Long Beach shipyards. He returned to Iowa and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943.

During World War II he served on the USS Reno in the Pacific Theatre. Before deployment, he met Alta "Pat" Hammond. He asked if he could write to her and the romance bloomed. The Reno was torpedoed on November 4, 1944, Clayton stayed with the ship as it returned to Charleston, SC, for repairs. While there Clayton and Pat were married in Red Bank, New Jersey, on July 7, 1945. They lived on the Charleston naval base until the war ended. They returned to Colo, settled on the family farm, and raised a family.

During his life Clayton was a farmer, rural mail carrier, home builder, entrepreneur, and community leader serving as mayor of the City of Colo for 27 years. He was a devoted Democrat. He was an honorary member of the Colo Fire and Rescue and self appointed Low Sheriff of East Story County. He was an active member of the Colo Development group, American Legion, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Mayor's Association and Grandfathers of Distinction. On November 4, 2009, the 55th anniversary of the Reno being hit, he was a proud participant of the Iowa Veterans Honor Flight, accompanied by four grandsons.

Clayton was a quick-witted, practical joker who always enjoyed a laugh, never took life too seriously, and never believed in wasting opportunities. He was proud of his Irish heritage, his faith, community, and his family. He enjoyed hosting his annual family golf tournament over the last 18 years and visiting the Country House for coffee break to discuss the local news and debate politics.

He and his presence will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the Colo community. Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, eldest daughter, Michelle on May 9, 1950, grandson Shea Carmody Keeney, brother Carroll, and two sisters Elaine Janes and Evelyn Morrissey.

Visitation services will be Friday, December 28 with the family present from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in State Center, Iowa. A Vigil service and Rosary will take place at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's on Saturday, December 29 at 10:30 a.m. Following the luncheon, the committal service, with military rites, will be held at St. James Cemetery in Colo.

In lieu of flowers, any memorials may be directed to St. Joseph's Church or Colo Fire and Rescue Team.

Chet Ryan Mortuary of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Clayton and his family.