Kenneth I. "Butch" Clayton Jr.

Kenneth Clayton Obituary

CLAYTON Kenneth I. "Butch" Clayton Jr., from Groveport, OH, was born April 6, 1956 in Ft. Belvoir, VA, and passed away peacefully at his home on July 15, 2011 in Jiefangbei, China. Ken was preceded in death by his mother Janice C. Norris; and is survived by his father, Kenneth I. Clayton, Sr. and stepmother, Beverly R. Clayton of Sandbridge, VA; sisters, Lisa (Craig) Johnson of Beavercreek, OH, Brenda (Sue) Norris of Canal Winchester, OH, and Kathy (Tim) Halbur of Sobieski, WI; brothers, Steve (Joanne) Clayton of Hilliard, OH, and Bruce Norris of Galloway, OH; nieces, Emily Clayton, Sara Johnson and Erin Johnson; nephews, Scott Clayton, Tim Clayton, Kevin Clayton and Chris Clayton; cousins, Kay (Tim) Tetzlaff and Paul (Missy) Belgen; and his Goddaughter, Summer Severt Breeze. He wore the title of Godfather to Summer proudly. Ken was a 1974 graduate of Groveport Madison High School, where he designed the drawing for the school mascot "Cruiser", which remains with the school today. Following high school, he worked for WBNS Channel 10 in Columbus, OH for Fritz "The Night Owl" Peerenboom, compiling sketches, paintings and set designs for several late night movies, and he also designed print ads for the local TV Guide. A few years later, he sold his extensive comic book collection and moved to Redondo Beach, CA. He was employed by Northrop Grumman Corporation in Hawthorne, CA, for more than 20 years, working on the B-2 Stealth Bomber, among other projects. He was commissioned by The American Red Cross for the artwork in their children's coloring book series, and also by The Alliance for Chemical Safety for their Sheltering In Place coloring book. Most recently, he was employed by Web International English in Nan Ping, China, as an English teacher. No funeral or memorial services are planned. Contributions may be made to The Asthma and Allergy Relief Foundation of America (www.aafa.org) in Ken's memory.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jul. 21 to Jul. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Clayton

6 Entries

Summer Severt Breeze

November 3, 2011

I still really miss Godfather Ken. I wish we had a memorial or something for him. I want to plant a tree or something in his memory but that seems so unlike him!

Walter Hartman

August 4, 2011

I had known Ken over 25 years, starting when we both worked for Northrop in Hawthorne, CA. We were both born in the same year. Ken didn't drive, so in those days I'd often drive him home to his place by the beach in Redondo. I was always amazed how well he navigated the many transit systems in LA. We'd often hang out to have a bite to eat or watch videos (Ken was a very big movie fan) or go for long walks and talks on the beach by his place. Ed would also usually join us for walks as well. There was a time all three of us got boogie boards and would meet up at Ken's place and then walk over to the beach to go boogieboarding -- those were fun times. I remember when my sister came to visit once and Ken acted as our tour guide when we visited Hollywood -- I hadn't been there at the time, so Ken wanted to show us around and tell us about the history of the many places in Hollywood. Again Ken was a very big movie fan and some of his art dealt with old movies. Ken loved to draw and created lots of art. Ken also enjoyed writing, including screenplays. I remember the many enjoyable Lawry's nights over the years when the whole gang including Ken would get together for birthday dinner celebrations which would last the whole evening. It was good to celebrate those birthdays and really to celebrate life together, since I've come to realize how precious those times were. I'll miss you my old friend. May your continued journey be gentle and peaceful...

Steve Averill

July 22, 2011

As always, Ken will be in my thoughts. Perhaps he's with some others we both loved.

David Speaker

July 22, 2011

Ken was a kind and gentle soul. I still have the drawing he made of me for a birthday many years ago. He was a talented artist. I'll miss his humor and his updates from China. Rest in Peace old friend. Dave Speaker

brenda norris

July 22, 2011

Ken & Bev I am so very sorry that we all have to go through this Butch was way to young. I will always be reminded of him when I hear the song rain drops keep falling on your head. Because when I was younger and couldn't go to sleep I would go to his room & he would put that song on the record player and I would fall right
to sleep & wake up in my bed in the morning. I will miss him. Love Brenda

July 22, 2011

Ken and Bev---So sorry for your loss of Butch . What a fine young man and too young to leave us . Rest well Butch.

Jim Sanborn

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