Max Clayton

Memorial service for Max Ira Clayton, age 77, of Frederick, Oklahoma, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church Frederick (301 E. Grand Avenue), with Rev. Chris Dodson officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Orr Gray Gish Funeral Home

Max Ira Clayton was born on September 28, 1948, and left this world on January 10, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and kindness in the hearts of all who knew him.

Max was born to Lyle and Betty (Hedges) Clayton in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Max’s father taught agricultural education in prison school systems, so his family moved frequently, and he graduated from Tehachapi High School in California in 1966. He attended Bakersfield Junior College before joining the United States Air Force. Max was deployed to Taiwan and served there during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he began working at his brother’s tire shop.

During this time, Max met the love of his life, Ann. They were married a short time later on June 1, 1980. They were overjoyed to welcome daughter Sara in 1981 and son Lyle in 1983. Max’s family was the greatest joy of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them. His grandsons came along and he settled into his greatest role: Granddad. Max’s grandsons were the absolute lights of his life. He was a devoted Granddad, known for rocking babies in his recliner and later helping them play games on his iPad.

Max earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and his Master’s degree in Education from Oklahoma State University. He was a diehard Pokes fan and loved watching games—usually while yelling loudly at the TV. His favorite expression to yell was “JIMINY CHRISTMAS!” Max devoted more than 30 years to education, teaching math and science in Frederick at the elementary and middle schools. He later returned to SWOSU to complete his administrator certificate and served as Assistant Principal at FMS for several years. He served on the board at the Frederick Public Library. He was a member of the Frederick Masonic Lodge #249. Max was an animal lover and was well known for the collection of creatures in his classroom during his years as a science teacher. After his retirement, Max began driving for Community Action Development Corporation, and he very much enjoyed visiting with all of his riders. He was a dedicated member and loved to serve the Lord at the Frederick First United Methodist Church.

Max loved music, movies, and trivia, and spent many happy hours with his family playing games centered around these interests. He would usually be found sitting at the table shaking his head and laughing at his family’s nonsense. Above all, Max embodied a spirit of generosity and acceptance. He loved people just as they were and would give anyone the shirt off his back if they were in need. Max was known for greeting everyone with a huge smile and a warm hello. His compassion, warmth, and kindness will be deeply missed.

Max will be missed by many, but most especially by his family. He is survived by his wife, Ann; his daughter, Sara; his son, Lyle; his daughter-in-law, Jessica; his grandsons, Mason and Landon; his brother-in-law, Jim; and many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Betty; his brothers, Marc and Mike; his sisters, Connie and Cathy; and his in-laws, Herb and Sarah Allman.

Memorial donations may be made in Max's name to Frederick FUMC, 301 E. Grand Avenue, Frederick, OK 73542, or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Avenue, Ste. 1100 N., Bethesda, MD 20814.