John T. "Tom" Clayton Sr.

John T. “Tom” Clayton, Sr., son of William Franklin Clayton & Minnie Ann (White) Clayton, was born February 12, 1915 in the Bloomfield Township (Johnson County) Illinois. He departed this life Thursday evening, May 4, 2006, at 7:10 PM at the Hillview Health Care Center in Vienna, IL. At the time of his passing, Tom had attained the age of 91 years 2 months & 22 days.

Tom was united in marriage to Mary Cornelia “Neelie” Whiteside on September 22, 1939 in Mayfield, KY. She preceded him in death on September 8, 1999.

Survivors include: 2 Sons – Don Clayton, Sr. and Tom Clayton, Jr.; a Grandson – Don & Christine Clayton of Benton, IL; a Granddaughter – Amy & Gary Vaughan of Texas; 2 Great Granddaughters; a Brother – Jack & Belva Clayton of Vienna, IL; a Sister-in-Law – Marilyn Whiteside of Vienna, IL; a Brother-in-Law – Calvin & Doris Whiteside of Ohio; Nieces & Nephews.

Tom & Neelie opened their home to several young boys, in addition to raising their own two sons.

In addition to his Parents & Wife, Tom was preceded in death by: 6 Brothers – Ray, Loss, Earl, Floyd, Mark & Ralph Clayton; and a Sister – Faye Gurley.

Tom was a 1934 graduate of the Vienna High School. He entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II in the Pacific theater of operation. He was a 60+ year member of the former American Legion Post # 347 in Carterville, IL.
Tom was a life-long farmer and long-time member of the Williamson County Farm Bureau. He was also a member of the Carterville Golden Age Senior Citizens and a meals-on-wheels volunteer. Tom was a member of the Carterville United Methodist Church since 1955.

He was an avid ping pong player in his youth. He enjoyed baseball, playing pinochle & was a checker champion.
Tom & Neelie were always willing to look after neighbors and friends that were sick or shut in and provided meals to them.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday morning, May 8, 2006, at 10 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Rev. Willard Murrie will officiate. Interment will be in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, north of Vienna. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Heyde Pillow VFW Post of Marion, IL. Friends may call from 5 PM – 7 PM Sunday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.

Memorials may be made to Lourdes Hospice, 616 Market St., Metropolis, IL 62960 or to the Williamson Co. Programs on Aging, Meals-on-Wheels, 212 E. Walnut, Herrin, IL 62948.