Clayton C. David

Clayton C. DAVID July 19, 1919 -- May 15, 2009 HANNIBAL, Mo. -- Lt. Col. Clayton C. David, USAF retired, 89, of Hannibal, died at 6:15 p.m. Friday (May 15, 2009) in the Beth Haven Nursing Home in Hannibal. Lt. Col. David was born July 19, 1919, in Topeka, Kan., a son of James C. and Gladys Zinn David. He was married to Lenora M. Scott on Feb. 11, 1945, at Scio, Ohio, and she survives. He and his wife moved to Hannibal in 1987. After graduating from Kansas State University in June 1941 and working for the Pet Milk Co. in Siloam Springs, Ark., Clayton entered the U.S. Army Air Force on Dec. 1, 1941. He retired from the Air Force Reserves on July 19, 1979. He was a pilot, flying combat missions in a B-17 with the 8th Air Force out of England, and he was reported MIA over Holland on Jan. 11, 1944. He evaded being captured by the Germans through Holland, Belgium, France and over the Pyrenees Mountains to reach Spain and then Gibraltar. From there he was flown back to England on May 25, 1944. He received the Purple Heart in addition to other decorations. His evading experiences are the basis of a book, "They Helped Me Escape," which he wrote. He is also featured in the 8th Air Force Heritage Museum, Savannah, Ga., and on a DVD, "Evade," produced by Word One. Mr. David spent more than 25 years with the Pet Milk Co. at locations in Ohio, Greeneville, Tenn., Salt Lake City, Utah, and Neosho, Mo., with responsibility for milk procurement. During that time, he worked closely with universities and state agencies to improve dairying. He and his wife, "Scotty," owned a training and motivational company, working with schools and businesses. He was associate professor emeritus of West Virginia Northern Community College, Wheeling, W.V., where he worked extensively with manufacturing plants, hospitals, and businesses to improve their supervision and management. An elder in the Presbyterian Church, Clayton was a past president and membership chairman of the Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society, life member of the Reserve Officers Association, the 303rd Bomb Group, and the 8th Air Force Historical Society. He was a member of Who's Who in the Midwest, the Air Force Association, the Retired Officers Association, the Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post 55, and the VFW. Mr. David enjoyed traveling and was an avid golfer earlier in his life. He enjoyed his neighbors and he and his family are very grateful for the neighborhood kindness and assistance during this difficult time. He is also survived by his two sons, Lynn A. David of St. Louis and James S. David and daughter-in-law, Debbie, of Macon, Ga.; his grandson, Jonathan David of Springfield; his granddaughters, Sarah R. David and Nora Grace David, both of Macon; and his brother, Maynard E. David, of Bradenton, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; a sister, Calista McCracken; and two brothers, Cmdr. F.J. David and John E. David. SERVICES: 4 p.m. Sunday memorial services in First Presbyterian Church, Hannibal. Pastor Stephen Adkison will conduct. Cremation rites have been accorded with a private family inurnment at a later date. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Cunningham, Harry Graves, Harry Hughes, Jim Humphreys, Steve Lane, Dr. James K. Mann, Jim Mitchell, Martin Sauer, Dirk Sauer and Jerry Zimmer. VISITATION: There will be no visitation. MEMORIALS: First Presbyterian Church, Hannibal, or Blessing Hospice of Hannibal in care of Grand View Funeral Home, Hannibal. ARRANGEMENTS: Grand View Funeral Home, Hannibal. Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.