Clarinda Herald Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Thursday, March 9, 1978, p. 5
JOHN CLAYTON - John Clayton, a resident of Taylor County, Iowa, for 72 years and had lived in Villisca, Iowa the past 11 years, passed away at the Good Samaritan Care Center February 28, 1978 at the age of 83 years and six months.
Jonithan [Jonathan] Jennings, the son of John Randolph and Mary Etta Manley Clayton was born August 28, 1834 in Siam, Iowa. He was educated in the Siam School and grew up in that vicinity. On January 15, 1917 he was united in marriage to Florence Campbell in Clarinda, Iowa. They moved to a farm in the Guss, Iowa vicinity where they lived over 50 years. On January 15, 1978 they observed their 61st wedding anniversary. To this union were born two sons and two daughters, Carroll Leo and Max Dwane, both preceding their father in death, Mrs. Clyde Jones (Naomi) of Red Oak, Iowa and Mrs. James Neal (Donna) of Villisca, Iowa. Jean Osborn, now Mrs. Carl Gray, was taken into their home at the age of three and raised as their own, now of Turlock, Ca. He leaves eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, also one brother Virgil, living in Hepburn, Iowa.
He farmed in Taylor County, also worked in the coal mines for a number of years; after retiring he worked five years at the Mental Health Institute. In 1967 he moved to Villisca. In 1974 he suffered a stroke, paralyzing his right side, losing the use of his right arm and hand. He leaves his devoted wife, Florence, who has cared for him these past four years, two daughters, Naomi and Donna, grandchildren, many nephews and nieces and many friends.
Funeral Services were held March 3, 1978 at the Sutphen Funeral home with Reverend Dennis Neal in charge. Two selections were rendered on the organ, "How Great Thou Art" and "Sweet Hour of Prayer" by Mrs. Quincy Dunn. Casket Bearers were his six grandsons: David Clayton, Stephen Neal, Terry Sellers, Russel Clayton, Douglas Jones, Richard Culver. Flower bearers - Mrs. Dennis Neal and Mrs. Bob Neal, Registry - Mrs. Warren Miller. Interment at Guss Cemetery, Guss, Iowa.