Frank Clayton

Dr. Frank Jeffrey Clayton, affectionately known as "Dr. Bones" to his friends and patients, embarked on his final adventure on August 2, 2024. Born on September 27, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Frank's journey through life was as vibrant and full of spirit as the man himself. He was the comedic heartbeat of his family, a man whose laughter was as healing as his chiropractic hands.
Frank's early years were spent in Murray, Utah, alongside his loving parents, Harold Frank and Laura Higley Clayton. His sisters Karen and Sharon were his first audience, and he never missed a chance to make them laugh. He attended Murray High School, where his wit was as appreciated as his intellect. In pursuit of higher education, Frank graduated from the University of Utah and later received his Doctor of Chiropractic from Logan University, where he became "Dr. Bones".
On Dec. 17, 1976, Frank married Cherylee Jewkes in the Salt Lake City Temple. They raised four wonderful children, who inherited their father's knack for humor and joy. Although their paths diverged, Frank's story continued as he found love again with Laurie Hutchens, married Nov. 29, 2002 in the Bountiful Temple, adding her children, Ashlee and Josh and their families, before going their separate ways.
Professionally, Frank was a man of faith and flexibility – quite literally. He served a mission in Florida, spreading joy and the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His chiropractic practice was more than a career; it was a platform for his natural ability to uplift spirits while aligning spines. The highlight of his professional life was undoubtedly when his son, Dr. Jeffery Clayton, joined him in completing the Clayton Chiropractic team with father and son working side by side.
Frank's devotion to his faith was evident in his service within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many callings over the years. Together with Laurie, he supported countless individuals in the Addiction Recovery Program, proving that love and service can indeed be the best medicine, even for the soul.
Life was about much more than just work for Frank. His love for the great outdoors was as boundless as his sense of adventure, whether he was riding horses, skiing down a mountain, camping under the stars, on a boat or reeling in fish. Frank was as comfortable on a snowmobile as he was on the back of his horse, and he approached every activity with the zeal of a man on a mission.
Sports were another passion, and Frank could often be found either playing in the thick of the action or cheering on his favorite teams (U of U) from his throne in front of the big screen. Yet, even amid these hobbies, his greatest joy was found in the company of his family and friends, where his stories were legendary, and his presence a guaranteed good time.
Frank is survived by his: sister Sharon Smith and her family; his children, Cynthia Clayton Cheney (Adam Cheney), Jeffery Frank Clayton(Ashlee Clayton), Adam Frank Clayton(Shanelle Clayton), Jannette Clayton Anderson(Zach Anderson); and a fan club of 16 grandchildren. He was preceded by his late parents and sister Karen.
Dr. Frank Jeffrey Clayton was a man of many talents: fun, intelligent, and adventurous. His life was a masterclass in not taking oneself too seriously. Let's remember Frank as he would've wanted: with a smile on our faces, a horse underneath him, family at his side, and the knowledge that somewhere out there, he's still cracking jokes and making the angels laugh. Dr. Bones, you will be dearly missed, but your legacy will echo through the ages.
Frank's funeral services will be held on August 9th, 2024, at Leavitt's Mortuary 836 36th Street, Ogden, UT. A viewing will be held from 9:30 - 10:30 AM, followed by a funeral at 11:00 AM.
Graveside services will be at the Hooper Cemetery 4290 S. 6300 W. Hooper, UT.