Norman G. Clayton

Norman G. Clayton, 79, of Dwight Township passed away Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007 at his home.

He was born Feb. 27, 1927 in Geneva, N.Y., to the late Leslie and Georgia (James) Clayton. He was united in marriage Nov. 4, 1984 in Port Austin to Florence Emerson-Ruark.

Mr. Clayton was a resident of Dwight Township since 1969. He was a veteran of World War II Army Air Corp where he served in the Merchant Marines for one year and three years as Radio Operator Corporal. He attended Milwaukee School of Engineering and was employed 36 years as a heating and cooling contractor for the Defense Department. He was a member of the Kinde Presbyterian Church and the American Legion in Port Austin. He participated in Bluewater Youth for Christ and volunteered at church. From 1972 to 1980 he was a Scout Master and member of Committee Troop 587. Norman enjoyed tinkering around home and visiting with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Florence Clayton of Dwight Township; one son, Leslie (Michele) Clayton of Alma; one daughter, Judith (Duane) Emlinger of Ionia; one step-son, David (Julie) Ruark of Lansing; one step-daughter, Beth (Dane) Bezemek of Davisburg; one brother, Robert (Patricia) Clayton of Tucson, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren, Erik Emlinger, T. Chalmers Clayton, Addison Clayton, Talmon Clayton, Victoria Clayton, Nicole Clayton, Erin Ruark, Ian Ruark, Allen Bezemek, Emily Bezemek, Danielle Bezemek and Kathleen Bezemek; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Vicky Lyn Clayton; and an infant granddaughter, Anna Ruark.

Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, March 1, 2007 at the Kinde Presbyterian Church. The Rev. David Freeland will officiate.

Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at MacAlpine Gage Chapel in Kinde and from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at the church. Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Ann Arbor.

Memorials may be offered to the Kinde Presbyterian Church or the Family Discretionary Fund.