Gordon Kenneth Clayton

Clayton, Gordon Kenneth

Age 86, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, at Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson.

Gordon is survived by his son, Terry (Cindy) Clayton, his daughter, Lori (Duane) Hock; grandchildren Patrick (Mai) Clayton, Elizabeth (Hunter) Alpert, Jamie Hock,  and Ben Clayton, and great-grandchildren Mason and Cora. He is also survived by his brother Glenn (Dorothy) Clayton, many wonderful nieces and nephews, and his special friend of four years, Jean Boylan.
Gordon was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Carole, his parents, his sisters Nellie Whiteside, Elnor Reamer, Freda Yerkes-Failing, and brothers Lee Brown and Roy J. Clayton.

Gordon was born on June 15th, 1939, the son of Gertrude and Roy Clayton, in Pontiac, Michigan. He graduated from Pontiac High School in 1957. While working in the produce section at Kroger, he met the love of his life, a young lady named Carole, whom he married a year later. Gordie and Carole were married for 59 wonderful years before she passed in 2019. They did everything together and were rarely seen apart.

Gordie took a sales position with Campbell's Soup and worked for them for 35 years. His illustrious career included five Salesman of the Year awards and induction into the Campbell's Sales Hall of Fame. Gordie was skilled at talking to people, and he very much enjoyed interacting with everyone.
Gordie was a man of deep faith and a devoted Catholic. He was very involved in parish activities and sat on several committees throughout his lifetime at various parishes. While in Gladwin, Gordie joined the Knights of Columbus and eventually served as Grand Knight of Gladwin Council 5280.

Gordie was an avid golfer, reader, and enjoyed dancing. He and Carole actually placed second in a New Year's Eve dance contest in the early 70's.
After Carole passed, Gordon moved to Vista Grande Villa, where he served on the Board for Residents. It was his idea to build a Bocce Ball Court for residents to enjoy. He served as an Ambassador for new residents several times, and he always made sure people were included.
Mainly, Gordie enjoyed people. He loved talking to people, hearing their stories, and making them laugh. He always said, "If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right".  Dad was so loved by his family and he will be greatly missed.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM with Fr. Timothy MacDonald officiating.  Gordie will be laid to rest next to his wife Carole at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Gladwin on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 11:30 AM.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, December 12 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM.  The family will also receive friends at Queen's Church on Saturday from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.