Russell Lowell Clayton

Russell Lowell Clayton, 92, passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2011. He was born on October 21, 1919, to Estel and Clara Clayton in Shelby County, Indiana. He was one of three sons. He was married to Mary Louise DeBaun on January, 16, 1941 in Shelbyville, Indiana. Russell farmed in Indiana before moving to Michigan where he was a carpenter and contractor for many years. He retired from the County of Orange in 1978 after working as a Planner-Estimator for the Building Services Department. He enjoyed billiards, fishing, hunting, and woodworking. He enjoyed showing his "handiwork," whether it be a house he built, a roof he put on, a baby cradle he made, or a toy he crafted from wood. Russell is survived by his son, Stephen (Evelyn); seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; his brother, Frank and sisters-in-law, Marie Pile and Ada (Wertz) Fromer, both of Shelbyville. He was preceded in death by his best friend and beloved wife of more than 70 years Mary, his sons, Dennis and Bruce, and his brother, Garnet. Russell will be greatly missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of the Inland Counties (VNAIC), 39815 Alta Murrieta Drive, Ste. C8, Murrieta, CA 92563. Local arrangements entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St.