Clayton Vern Griffith

1930 - 2016

Clayton Vern Griffith

10-15-1930

9-20-2016

Vern was born in Nebraska to Thelma Lucille (Bailey) and Reuben Arthur Grifith, Sr. After obtaining a credential, Vern began his long teaching career at a I- room school house. During the Korean Conflict, he served in the U.S. Navy and dec ided to move to California after his discharge. While attending Vallejo Jr. College, Vern met Claudia Elaine Lundin who became his beloved wife of over 61 years.

Vern and Claudia moved to San Jose where he finished both his BA and MA degrees in Sculpture and Education. His two sons, Claye Vincent and Clint Victor, were born while Vern established himself teaching junior high and high school. He taught in Sutter Creek for 20 years and worked as a teacher in the California Correctional System for over 15 years. His last post was San Quentin where he taught both Art and English to inmates on death row. He also served on the Solano County Grand Jury.

After retirement, Vern and Claudia moved to Reno, Nevada to be close to family there. He continued to be involved in community service: volunteering at the local senior center, a food bank, various political campaigns, and Greyhound rescue programs. He is survived by his loving wife, his brother Rueben of Wichita KS, his sons, granddaughters Regan and Katelyn, and great grandchildren Elijah, Evelyn, and Nicklaus. Vern showed much of his artwork in local galleries and continued working on sculpture until his sudden passing. His paintings, drawings and sculpture will serve as reminders or his long and happy life.