"Mr. Clayton taught me to type. Of course, back in the late 1980's, I had no idea how important that skill would become. I can still see/hear him saying, "ASDF JKL;... ASDF JKL;" My prayers are with Don's family. I always liked him. Such a calm, understanding guy. By the way, Mrs. Clayton was a teacher at Hoglan, when I was a student there, and I have many fond memories of her, as well. I believe she also worked PT at McDonalds. What a great family, who served the Marshalltown community so well! Derek Fichtner (now living in Seoul, South Korea)"
In loving memory of
Donald E. Clayton
July 27, 1931 - July 13, 2015
Donald E. Clayton of Marshalltown, IA passed away comfortably and peacefully Monday, July 13, 2015 at the VA Hospital Community Living Center in Des Moines, IA with his loving wife of 62 years, Deloris, at his side.
A visitation is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16 at Anderson Funeral Home, 405 West Main Street, Marshalltown, IA. The funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 17 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1600 South Center Street, Marshalltown. The burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 611 N. Center Street, Marshalltown. The family invites you to join them for a luncheon afterward back at the church. Pastor Alex Post of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marshalltown will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dons life. Condolences can be sent to www.andersonfhs.com
Don was born on July 27, 1931 in Marshalltown, IA to George and Elizabeth (Bohi) Clayton. He graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1949, where he was actively involved in extra-curricular activities and sports. He earned his undergraduate degree from Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa) in education, and later earned his Masters Degree in education. Don was an accomplished collegiate baseball player while at Iowa State Teachers College, and met the love of his life there, Deloris. Don and Deloris were married on June 14, 1953 in Pomeroy, IA. Two days later, on Tuesday, June 16, he left to proudly serve in the U.S. Army for 21 months of active duty in the Continental United States, Japan, and Korea.
Don was a generous, kind, and giving man who valued relationships and who enjoyed serving others. He was active in the community by volunteering with the Marshalltown Little League, the Iowa Veterans Home, the VFW, and many others. He loved nothing more than his family, and was a loving and devoted husband and father. He loved athletics, and loved to watch his children and grandchildren participate in their various activities. Don was active with church serving as an usher and an elder for many years. He also enjoyed gardening, maintaining his yard, vacationing with family, and helping his neighbors. It was not unusual to see Don and his snow blower clearing several driveways and sidewalks in the neighborhood after a snow storm.
Dons passion for service was evident in his career choice. He taught high school business classes starting in 1955 in Denver, IA for 2 years, and then with Marshalltown High School for 32 years before retiring in 1989. He enjoyed his fellow teachers and students, and was remarkable at remembering all of their names over his 34 years of teaching. Don also was involved with coaching tennis at MHS early in his teaching career, and he always loved a good joke. Don also taught summer Drivers Education classes a number of years.
Don is survived by his wife, Deloris Clayton, of Marshalltown, and their three children: Dan (Becky) Clayton of Aurora, CO; Dale (Shelley) Clayton of Omaha, NE; Donita (John) Wright of Bondurant, IA. Don enjoyed 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, 5 sisters, and 3 brothers.
The family would like to thank the wonderful hospital staff and caregivers at the VA Hospital in Des Moines for the tremendous care for Don these last few months.
Tributes
"Like a lot of people I had Mr Clayton as a teacher. My fondest knowledge of him is that he saved my brothers life when he fell into the swimming pool at Riverview park"
"My sympathies to all of you. I remember Mr. Clayton as such a gentle and kind teacher. As it turns out, he probably taught all of us one of the most important skills in a computer age--the ability to type! He made a difference in many ways. Jane Ross Neff (Class of '65)"
"Coach Clayton was my tennis coach for my sophomore year. His daily regimen of rugged calisthenics whipped us into shape, whether we wanted to be or not. He was very dedicated to the Bobcat nation and he expected us to be as well. I also had him for typing that year and he was a straight forward instructor as much as he was a coach. Later in life I had the opportunity to associate with Mr. Clayton through some of the Optimist Club activities and I got to see possibly another side of him that I had not seen before. He was a good teacher, coach and a good man for the community. I know he will be missed. You have our sincerest condolences - David Adland class of '70"
"Dale: Sorry to hear about your dad, my niece and I were just talking about him over the weekend and driver education classes and his business class.... Sending our sympathies.... Sherry (Kunkel) Storjohann"
"My Prayers to Don's family! May the comforter be with you in your time of need. Leo E. Draegert Class of 1964 MHS"
"My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Clayton's family he was a great teacher.."
"My condolences to the entire Clayton family. May you find strength in knowing he is at peace. Happy memories will remain with you forever. Shirley Tranchina (Dan's mother-in-law)"
"To Delores and the family. I wish to express my sympathy to you all at this time. I remember your husband/father during our years at Redeemer and admired his friendly ness and kindness. May the Lord watch over you all. Sue (Wolken) Winter. "
"I, too, am a graduate of Marshalltown High School, Class of 1961. I have visions of Mr. Clayton to this very day standing before our typing class, keeping a watchful eye on each of us to make sure OUR eyes were locked on the "bird" he used to draw on the board! I loved typing, all the timed writings, etc. He was a dedicated and wonderful teacher. May God bless you all with wonderful memories. Most sincerely, Marilyn (Riemenschneider) Hundling"
"I'm sorry to hear about Dons passing I was in school & graduating class of 1949 with Don though I hadn't seen Don for years I always remembered him Our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this time"
"Deloris, we send our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Ron & Vicki Long Lee's Summit, MO (formerly of Marshalltown)"
"Condolences go out to the family. I graduated in 1967 and had him as my teacher for typing class, forever grateful to him. "
"Throughout my life I have been so very grateful that I took Mr. Clayton's typing class. Who knew how critical those typing skills would be later in life? Besides being an incredibly patient teacher, he was a kind and generous person too. My condolences to you, Dolores, Dan, Dale, and Donita. "
"Dan, I am so sorry to hear the news of your father passing. Don had a strong impact on my keyboarding skills. He stressed that written communication had a lasting impact. At age 16 you don't really understand but later in college I did. I actually became the dedicated typing guru for my fraternity brothers in Ames.. ha ha Your parents were always at our prep sporting events and very supportive. Friends Always, Mike Scallon "
"I remember Mr Clayton' s method for breaking our tendency to watch our fingers while we typed. A wonderful and dedicated teacher. Nancy Ingham Neason...class of '61"
"Dan, Dale and Donita, I am so very sorry to hear your father passed away. I have fond memories of him and your family. You all, as well as your Mother, are in my thoughts and prayers."
"You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, Donita. We love you, John and the girls so much! Please give your Mom and brothers condolences from Jim and Helen. Godspeed, Don... on wings of angels."