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Clayton Barnes Obituary
Clayton Sean Barnes passed away while serving his country as an Apache helicopter pilot on Monday, August 20, 2007. Clayton was born on March 24, 1977, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He joined the Utah National Guard when he was 17 years old, and has been proudly serving with them for the last 13 years. He always knew he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and become a helicopter pilot. Clayton, who was known by his fellow aviators as "Buddha," achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2, and he felt honored to be able to fight for the country he loved by serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Clayton packed more experiences into his 30 years on Earth than most people do in a lifetime. He served in the Manila Philippines Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He graduated from Brigham Young University and was just beginning dental school. He married the love of his life, Melinda Daniels, in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple on February 11, 2000, and his life revolved around her and their three children. Clayton was very excited about the upcoming birth of their fourth child, a baby girl, due this November. He always made time for his family, and one of his greatest joys in life was making his kids laugh.
We'll remember Clayton for so many reasons. He was always willing to help those in need. He had a strong belief in his religion, and he loved sharing his testimony with others. He loved learning, spending time with friends, riding dirt bikes, flying, snowboarding, and teaching his kids how to rip it up on their battery-powered Hummer.
Most of all, we'll remember Clayton's smile. He was always happy; no matter when you saw him you knew he'd have a huge grin on his face. He loved life, he adored his family, and his happiness was contagiousÑyou couldn't help smiling when you were with him. Clayton was the rock of his family, the person everyone knew they could rely on. Even though it was much too short, his life was full, and it was always filled with joy. We know he's still smiling at us from up in Heaven. We love you Clayton.
Clayton is survived by his wife, Melinda, his children, his parents, Susan Linda Covington and Charles Scott Barnes, his brothers, Christian and Chad, his sisters, Susannah and Summer, and many nieces and nephews.
Clayton's viewing will be held on Friday, August 24, 2007 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, August 25, 2007 from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the LDS Stake Center on 650 W 800 S in Payson, Utah. His funeral will also be held at the Stake Center on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Funeral services are being provided by SereniCare Funeral Directors. Clayton will be buried in the Orem City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the "In Memory of Clayton Barnes" fund at any Wells Fargo bank. Online condolences may be submitted to www.serenicare.com
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Jolly Harper, CW4
September 4, 2007
To my brother in arms, calm winds and blue skies my friend. May God bless your family.
Kevin Barnes
August 30, 2007
Even though our last name is the same I don't believe that we are related. We thank you for Clayton's service to our country and the cause of freedom. We recognize his sacrifice and the sacrifice that all of you are now making for everyone who loves freedom.. Our family extends to each of you our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We know that no words can fill the emptiness nor remove the hurt that you are feeling. Please know that many people are praying for you. We lost our son in Iraq in July and truly feel the hurt and loss that you are going through. May God bless you as you move forward in life.
Nikki Sabey, Nielsen
August 29, 2007
To Clayton's family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I went to High School with Clayton, and he was always such a happy nice guy. We had several classes together, and I never remember seeing him anything but happy to be there. I have to smile just picturing him and that permanent grin on his face walking down the halls.
I can't imagine the pain you all must be going through, you are in my prayers.
Soldiers and their families that assure our freedom have my family's utmost respect and gratitude. I am proud to have known him.
school friend
August 28, 2007
I went to school with Clayton, from elementary to high school, and one of my favorite memories about him was singing "Kiss the Girl" from the Little Mermaid in 7th grade English class.
What an awesome guy. You will be missed!
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Heather (Hancock) Konold
August 27, 2007
Melinda,
I can’t imagine what you must be going through right now, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and the Barnes family at this sad time.
You have a beautiful family. Clayton was an amazing person that shared his love for life with everyone he associated with. May God watch over your little family at this time.
Linda, Norm Unck
August 27, 2007
Dear Susannah, Susan and Family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and in our prayers. Know that our father in heaven loves you all and one day you will be with Clayton again
Stay close as a family and this will help your loss. Remember all the good times you had with Clayton and share the stories with his children. They and Melinda will need that.
Again our deepest sympathy to you and all your family.Death is never easy and we sometimes wonder how we can get through it but our dear lord is always there to help us. Please call on him to help.
Please know that we love you Susannah and we will keep you in our prayers. You know you are like a daughter to me.
Bob Holt
August 27, 2007
Scott,
To lose a fellow aviator is always tough. I cannot imagine what you
must be going through to lose a son. My thoughts and prayers are with
you and your family.
Jared Vance Formerly of D Company/AMC 1/211
August 27, 2007
Susan and Family, I wish to echo what was written by SFC Muller. The "Unit" is a tight group and always has been. Although my career was ending when Claytons was begining I can still remember the closeness of the unit and can now feel the loss. I am sure Clayton has felt the same about what he did as all of us have who have served and when something like this happens we all feel the loss and grieve with you. My most heartfelt condolences go with you and your young family. I hope you all will feel and share in the pride that Clayton had in what he did. It is a great achievement to do all the things that Clayton has attained in such a short time. He placed things in proper perspective by serving his mission as he did. I wish you and your family the very best.
April Houser
August 27, 2007
Melinda,
I just found out yesterday that this was your husband. You are in my prayers, and my thoughts are with you. You are a beautiful girl, always have been, and I know things will work out for you and your family.
August 27, 2007
I don't know you, but my heart goes out to you. My husband is a pilot in the Army as well, and I couldn't imagine that happening to him. We grew up in Utah and heard about your loss by family members that still live there. I know you will be together agian. Stay strong. I have you in my prays.
August 26, 2007
I do not know you, but I have shed tears over your loss. As a young mother of four, I can only imagine the pain and long days ahead. How blessed you are to have an eternal family. May the Lord sustain you in the days, weeks and years to come. From one young wife and mother to another, I send you my love.
Melissa Jensen
August 25, 2007
I do not know any of you personally but am deeply touched and saddened by your loss. Please know that there are so many people out there that are praying for your family at this time. Thanks to all of you for your service to this wonderful country. May Heavenly Father bless and comfort you and be with you from this time forward.
Mylene Johnson
August 25, 2007
To Melinda and the Barnes family,
I am from Philippines and served a mission with Elder Barnes. He was such a faithful missionary. May you feel the love and comfort of our loving Heavenly Father especially at this very time.
MAJ Dudley Capps
August 25, 2007
I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of Clayton Barnes. I had the honor and priviledge of serving with CWO Barnes in Afghanistan. His mark will be forever made on this world. God speed Clayton and may God bless your family in thier time of loss.
Amber Thomas
August 25, 2007
Punka- I Love You! My thoughts are with you, It was not tell friday morning on the news that I heard about the lose and right then I started crying! My heart is full, if there is anything I would love to help. Love Ya Lots, Amber Deanne Thomas @>--
Andrew K. Adams
August 25, 2007
Scott:
I cannot imagine the pain, emptiness, and sorrow you must feel in such a time when your life has been turned upside down. Words at this moment have little weight to the reality of the situation. Since I am not there to offer an embrace or a steady look in the eye to say what words cannot, I pray that God may shine his smiling face upon you and embrace you in the spirit of his love.
Mikkel Muller Shutes
August 25, 2007
Dear Barnes Family,
God bless you for all that you are for America and for the Lord.
I have been deeply honored to know some of the men my father, SFC Dennis Muller, served with.
It is with great pride that we can say, "My Dad served in the military." It is with great heroism that we send them off to train and fight for the freedoms we want to share with our brothers and sister on this earth.
Imagine listening to our brother, Jesus Christ, thank these men for what they gave.
May you always be blessed with pride for the sacrifice you make.
Thank you for being a soilder family.
Dennis Muller
August 25, 2007
Clayton, our own fallen comrade will never be forgotten, those whom you serve with and who help to carry on “our” units traditions and heritage forever carry a very special place in our thoughts and hearts. We train together, work together and cover each others backs - not just in war but in peace, and again when we are called to precede our friends into the next step of our immortal journey. Clayton had a job to do here on earth and now has a higher calling – “Prepare for those who must follow.” As we are separated from our “unit” and family we are promised we will regroup in a more perfect state and in a beautiful place. Beautiful not just for it’s visual and physical appeal but for it’s emotionally complete state, as we are e part of an eternal whole as family and friends.
Dennis A. Muller, SFC (RET)
III/V Platoon, 1/211
AM Smith
August 25, 2007
I am so very sorry for your loss and want to sincerely thank you for what you have given for the sake of freedom. What an honorable young man and wonderful family. May God bless you.
Dave Fuller
August 24, 2007
Melinda, Scott and Susan, family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. There are but a few men that have left an impact on me such as Clayton did. We worked together before and after his mission as well as the maintenance section at the Gaurd. His smile will always be burned in my memory. I'm a better man for knowing Clayton Barnes! Love him always, his love will be returned as he continues to watch over you. May God bless you all.
Jane and Anees ur Rehman
August 24, 2007
Dear Susan and Family,
Your loss is great and your hearts are heavy but as I read these condolences I realise how lucky you all have been to have such a wonderful son,brother husband and father in your lives.
A very special young man.
The pain of losing him weighs heavy on your hearts just now, but in time all those wonderful memories wil come flooding back and you will truely realise how blessed you have been.
Our thoughts and love are with you ,
Jane and Anees
Naida & Vern Webb
August 24, 2007
Sending our love over the years and miles - There are no words to convey grief to your loss. May memories be sweet solace of such a wonderful young man. Our family cherishes the Barnes family for the depth of character and strength you were to us in Tennessee and Utah.
SFC Randy B. Retired
August 24, 2007
We are the citizen soldier, we train hard, we work hard, we have families, and we work along side of you in the community. We stand ready to serve and defend our state and our country on a moments notice. Only we the soldier and our family truly understand the sacrifices that we make for our country, our family, and our fellow soldier.
I know that there is nothing I can do or say to take away the pain in your hearts. May the lord be with you in this your time of sorrow.
Monica (Butler) Bielanko
August 24, 2007
I went to school with Clayton from Elementary through High School... Am sitting here remembering the little guy with the big grin and the blonde, floppy hair... Always such a sweet boy and it sounds as if he grew into an amazing man.
All the best to your family as well as Clayton's wife and children during such a trying time.
David & Connie Slaughter
August 24, 2007
Melinda - We've known Clayton since his birth, while we were all at Ft. Campbell. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Scott, Sue, Christian, Summer, Susanna - what a shock! We think of you often. May the Lord comfort you all. We still feel like family.
Randy Pifer
August 24, 2007
I wish to express my deepest condolences. I served with Buddha in Afghanistan (one of the Florida guys). It was an honor to have served with him. God bless you in this time of loss.
Justin Moore
August 24, 2007
Susan, Christian, Chad, Susannah and Summer: My heart goes out to each one of you during this time of sorrow. Christian was an honorable man, husband, and friend who was full of laughs, smiles, and good will. God bless your family.
Mark Hamilton
August 24, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Marcia AhMu
August 24, 2007
We love you Sue and Family and our thoughts and prayers are with you always. Our children also send their love. Thanks for quality memories. You are all a very special family. Love
Marcia and William, Patrick, NiCole and Travis
Ali (Thomas) Mathewson
August 24, 2007
Melinda and Family,
There are no words to express my deepest sympathies for you. I am so sorry for your loss and I know your pain is great. I pray for your broken heart. There is no greater trial than to lose a beloved too soon in life. My heart goes out to you.
Judy Wood
August 24, 2007
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all and we know how deeply Clayton will be missed. He blessed the lives of all he came in contact with. Sincerely, Judy Wood, Alix Berryessa, Erin Berryessa Dixon and family
Rosemary & Derek Orchard
August 24, 2007
Dear Scott & Meretta, we are so very very sad to hear of your loss. We pray that the Good Lord will wrap his loving arms around you and comfort you at this time. Thinking of you.
school friend
August 23, 2007
I went to Junior High and High school with Clayton. Although it is a sad time right now I know that you know you will all be together again. My prayers go out to you at this time. God Bless your family!
Verlinda Daniels
August 23, 2007
My love and prayers are with you
and your lovely family, Melinda.
Love, Aunt Lindy Daniels
Hannah Baker
August 23, 2007
Nothing can be said that will heal the hearts of those who have lost a father, a husband, a son, a brother, and a friend. But we hope we can be there if the need ever arises. Much love, the Bakers
Paul Brady
August 23, 2007
I can't adequately express the deep sorrow I feel at the loss of such a fine man, devoted father and husband, and great Soldier and Attack Pilot. Clayton and his father established a great legacy of patriotism, selfless devotion and sacrifice in Utah Army Aviation. My condolences and best regards to those loved ones Clayton leaves behind for a time.
Rustin, Tiffany, Jakobie, Aiden Jacobson
August 23, 2007
Melinda, Children, Scott, Susan,
We know we cannot feel the extent of your sorrow but please know our hearts go out to you and that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Annie (Trotter) Lane
August 23, 2007
I went to Mountain View with Clayton and Susannah and am heartbroken to hear of your loss. Wishing you comfort and peace--you will be in our prayers.
Becky Meredith
August 23, 2007
I felt I had to send my condolences. Clayton was in my first kindergarten class at American Heritage. When I saw his picture I knew immediately it was the same face of the little boy in my class. It was so heartwarming to read of his accomplishments in this life. I have always had fond memories of the Barnes famiy. I send you my deepest regrets and prayers for you loss.
Jack and Kyle Nieporte
August 23, 2007
To Melinda, Scott and Susan;
We are deeply saddened by your untimely loss. We loved Clayton and watched him grow up. You are all our dear friends and we weep with you.
We know what a great friend he and Melinda were to Andy and Becca (our daughter) Farrer. He will be greatly missed and always admired for his devoted service to our country, family and church.
What a great man he is. His example will live on forever in our family. We love you all and hope in time that you will find peace and comfort in his memory.
With tender feelings,
The Jack and Kyle Nieporte family
John & Elicia Dusbabek
August 23, 2007
It was an honor to serve with you, and to get to know your family. They are in our prayers. God bless you.
Jessica Hyde
August 23, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Steve
August 23, 2007
I will always be honored to have had the associations that I did (both Army Aviation and the 211th / 1-211th). There are no finer soldiers anywhere!
Please accept my heartfelt thanks for two great warriors as well as my sincere condolences for their untimely loss. If at all possible, please let the families know that there are those of us who did not know these two fine pilots personally, but take their loss as such. The Army Family is tight.
Steve
Rick and Chris Leetham
August 23, 2007
Scott and Susan - We were saddened to hear of Clayton's untimely passing. It has been many years since we have seen your family but the boys often talk about the Barnes family when we were backyard neighbors in Orem. It sounds as though he was a very fine man. May God bless and comfort your family.
Louwane VanSoolen
August 23, 2007
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. May God bless you and comfort you.
August 23, 2007
To a brother in arms, thanks for your service to our country and your devotion to God. May God Bless your family in the coming years. You will be remembered!
SFC Glover
Stacey Olson
August 23, 2007
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
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