Richard Clanton

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial donations or contributions be made to the United Methodist Community House, 904 Sheldon Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 in memory of Richard Clanton. Sympathy cards can be sent to Deborah Clanton and Family, 3135 E. Gatehouse Dr., Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Richard Vernon Clanton 71, a beacon of dedication and love, passed away on October 5, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his loving family by his side, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born on January 5, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, he was the youngest of six children. Richard was a man of integrity, known for his analytical mind and faith-filled heart. His life was a testament to the power of commitment to his faith, his family, his career and the importance of community.
Richard's mother, Doretha Clanton, died when he was 13 years old. He and his brother Alfonso went to live with his 22 year old sister Olivia, her husband Oscar Gillon and their four yr. old son Oscar Jr. It was the summer of the 1967 riots, but they kept Richard on the straight and narrow and out of trouble. They insured that he completed middle school, high school and guided him toward college. They provided for him and shaped his morals and ethics by displaying the example of character and qualities that helped make him into the man he became.
A proud graduate of Cass Technical High School in 1972, Richard's thirst for knowledge and social justice led him to Oakland University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Socioeconomics in 1976. At Oakland, Richard's leadership shone brightly as he was instrumental in founding the university's first Black Student Union, a milestone that would pave the way for future generations. 1991- Real Estate License; 2002- Executive Master of Business Administration from Trinity Southern University. 1
Richard met his lifelong friend, Otto Stallworth, while attending Cass Technical High School. From that moment on the two shared a bond that only deepened with time; one built on laughter, loyalty, and a brotherly kind of love. As the years went on, Richard became woven into the fabric of Otto and his wife Deborah's family. He was present at milestones big and small, a voice of reason, a source of laughter and a steady hand in moments that mattered most. To their children, Otto Jr., Eric and Jenifer, he was affectionately known as their Godfather, though the title hardly captures what he meant to them. He was like another dad, always cheering them on, offering wisdom and showing up with the kind of love that leaves a lifelong imprint.
Richard and Deborah Alexander met on a blind date when he relocated to Grand Rapids to open Sear's Homelife Furniture Store. They met and married in 6 months! Richard came in, captured Deborah's attention and heart and proved himself to be a loving husband to her for 32 years. With God's blessings they grew spiritually, emotionally and professionally. They traveled the world and built a wonderful life together. Although they worshiped at different churches, they served the same God. Richard was the best stepfather in the world to his step daughter, Mykia. He took care of everything and made sure she wanted for nothing! From helping her convince her mother to allow her to stop taking piano lessons after many years of lessons, to buying her first car, escorting her in the Cotillion Ball, completing all college financial aid and admission paperwork, moving her across country to attend North Carolina A&T University and walking her down the aisle when she was married. He could be counted on to do it all without complaining. If Mykia wanted it, she got it and that relationship continued throughout his life. Richard's two grandchildren, Ava and Landon Baxter, were his pride and joy! Richard enjoyed traveling to Maryland where they lived for holidays, birthdays, school concerts, bring your grandparents to school days, graduations, you name it and he was there. The Clanton's and the Baxter's took several fabulous family vacations to destinations near and far such as Disneyland, Hilton Head, and a Mediterranean Cruise for Richard and Deborah's 30th wedding anniversary, just to name a few!
Richard's professional journey began with the Sears Management Training Program, immediately upon graduation from Oakland University. It was there that his exemplary work ethic propelled him through various positions within the company. After completing the training program he became a store department manager. He steadily moved up in the company managing and auditing stores across the country, and became a Regional Manager. His business acumen and leadership were instrumental in launching and managing the Sears Homelife Furniture Store in Grand Rapid, MI. Richard dedicated 27 years of managerial service to Sears before retiring, after being headhunted to become the Executive Director of the old YMCA of Grand Rapids. Richard successfully closed the facility which also included a men's residential unit and then oversaw the Y's transformation into the new David D. Hunting YMCA. Richard was being noticed in the Grand Rapids business community as a man who could come in, accurately assess the problems and then successfully turn things around. Several companies were interested. He thoughtfully weighed the options and carefully made his next move. Never one to shy away from a new challenge and responsibility, Richard managed the Studio 28 Movie Theatre and later became the CEO of United Methodist Community House. Richard had a fierce passion for the service that UMCH provided to the community. He often said "he served people from the cradle to the grave" referring to their child care center, teen services and Senior Day Program. Richard finally retired in 2017, vowing to never work another job. However, he continued serving on various community boards.
His civic engagement was profound, serving on the Kentwood Zoning Board, Economic Board, Pension Board, Planning Commission, as the 1st Ward City Commissioner, Mayor Pro Tem then following the untimely death of Mayor Richard Root, stepping in to complete Root's mayoral term. Richard served on the Michigan Municipal League as Secretary, Vice President and President of Region 3. He served as President of the Elected Officials Academy. He was a Level III graduate and Vice President of the Michigan Black Elected Officials. Richard also served on numerous non-profit boards statewide. Additionally, Richard mentored several young professionals in the community on their careers and political aspirations. His commitment to public service was recognized with several accolades, including the Giants Award - Walter Coe Public Service Award in 2005, the Michigan Municipal League Service Award, and the Legacy Ball Award in 2010 for his advocacy and contributions to the African American legacy, to name a few.
Richard's Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life, guiding him through triumphs and trials with grace and love. While a member of the Kentwood Planning Commission, it was Richard who convinced the commission to grant Word of Faith the zoning variance needed for the church plant in Kentwood. He then became a faithful member of Word of Faith Christian Center for 29 years. Through the years Richard served as an Usher, the Pastors Armor Bearer and a Deacon. He also served on the Grief Ministry, helping members move forward after suffering the loss of a loved one.
Beyond his faith, family and career, Richard had a passion for life's pleasures. An accomplished and competitive bid whist player, he often reminisced about his college days, playing alongside his best friend and card partner, Otto Stallworth. According to Richard, playing bid whist was how the two earned extra money in college. Richard enjoyed playing bid whist monthly with a group of friends in Grand Rapids for years. Golf was another of Richard's joys, a sport he enjoyed with his wife and friends until his health no longer allowed him to do so.
Richard Vernon Clanton leaves behind a legacy of faithful service to God, love and dedication to family, committed service to his community, and all-around excellence. His analytical mind solved problems, his loving nature nurtured relationships, and his faith-filled spirit inspired all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed, and his impact will continue to resonate within the community he cherished and the hearts he touched.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Doretha Clanton, his father, Robert Lawrence, and his siblings, Gladys Clanton Calhoun (Robert), Robert Larry Clanton (Gwendolyn), Dorothy Lawrence; his nieces LaShawn Gillon-Jackson, Moneeka Lawrence and nephews Oscar Gillon Jr., Clarence Calhoun and Robert Calhoun, all from Detroit, MI.
He is survived by his loving wife Deborah Clanton; step-daughter, Mykia Baxter (Milton), grandchildren, Ava & Landon Baxter, from Bowie Maryland. Sister Olivia Clanton Gillon (Oscar), and brother, Alfonso Lawrence (Denise), the Stallworth family and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.