Charles Steven Clayton

1957 - 2025

CHARLES STEVEN CLAYTON

March 18, 1957 – June 18, 2025

Charles Steven Clayton, aged 68, passed away June 18, 2025. Charles was a wonderful father, loving husband, and faithful Christian. He was a kind, friendly, and caring man.

He was born in Bakersfield, CA, on March 18, 1957. He was the son of the late Carlile E and Elsie E Clayton. At age 22 he married the love of his life, Debby, on September 1, 1979 at Calvary Bible Church. They were married for 45 happy years.

Charles graduated from Cal State University of Bakersfield with a Bachelor of Science and worked as a clinical laboratory scientist for over 40 years. He started as a medical lab scientist but quickly advanced to laboratory manager. He worked at several of the local hospitals.

Charles loved to read. He had a lifelong interest in science, especially in astronomy. He loved to set up his telescope and would gaze at the planets and stars. He also loved camping and spending time outdoors. Charles and his family loved to take their RV trailer and camp all over the US. They recently returned from trips to Alaska and England. He also enjoyed amateur photography and used his camera to capture beautiful pictures of all the wonderful sights and experiences along his journeys.

He was not just a nature lover with an appreciation for science, but he was also a devout man of faith. Charles was a boldly professing follower of Jesus and an active member of Grace Bible Church. He volunteered in several ministries there from helping with security, to serving coffee. He was often there to help greet people at the door as they arrived and would often help clean and reset the facilities after everyone had left.

Charles is survived by his wife, Debby, and their three children along with their families: Matthew Clayton and his wife Rachel, Maggie Clayton, and Stephen Clayton and his wife Abigail. He is survived by 7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings: Monte Clayton and wife Teresa, Karen DeVries and husband David, and Jeanette Martin and husband David. He also had many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on June 28, 2025 at 10:30am at Grace Bible Church, 2301 White Ln, Bakersfield, CA, 93304.

www.bakersfield.com/obits