Paul John Clayton

June 13, 1947 - October 7, 2017

Paul J. Clayton, 70, of Central City, died on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Litzenberg Memorial Long Term Care in Central City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Central City on Friday, October 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. with Father David Fulton, Monsignor Nelson Newman, and Father Mark Pfeifer officiating. Visitation with family will be on Thursday, October 12th from 5-7 pm. at the church, with a Vigil service at 7 p.m. Inurnment will be at the Hordville Cemetery immediately following the memorial service. Memorials are suggested to the Prostate Foundation, Knights of Columbus, or the American Legion Lone Tree Post #6. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Paul was born on June 13, 1947 in Central City to Kenneth and Emma Marie (Veburg) Clayton. Paul graduated from Hordville High School in 1965. After graduating he worked construction with Gene Fowler of Hordville. In January of 1966, Paul enrolled at Milford Technical College and in 1967 he graduated with a degree in Construction Technology. Also, in 1967 he was drafted to the United States Army where he received his training in Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Fort Lewis, Washington. He went to Fort Dixon, New Jersey before heading to Ansbach, Germany where he was in B Company, First Battalion, 37th Armor of the 4th Armored Division. Paul was proud that he drove a M60A1 tank and was a tank gunnery. Due to his father’s health, Paul was sent home early on emergency leave. He was honorably discharged out of Fort Riley, Kansas in 1969 as Specialist Fifth Class. After his honorable discharge, Paul drove propane tank for Carrol Ortegren of Hordville until he went into business for himself. He began operating his own business Clayton Construction starting in 1970 for 44 years. He was extremely well known for his attention to detail and fine finishing work. He took great pride in doing the job right. Paul worked at various times for Pella Windows and Doors as well as Lillienthal Cabinets in Grand Island. In 2014, Paul was forced to retire due to health reasons. On October 2, 1976 Paul married Joyce Elaine Kramer in Aurora at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. To this union were two sons; Brady and Adam. Paul was an active, lifetime member of the Central City Knights of Columbus and was a Fourth Degree Member in the Bishop John L. Pachang General Assembly in Grand Island. He was also a Eucharistic Minister. Paul served in all offices of the Knights of Columbus. Paul was also a Husker “Nut” and there wasn’t a sport he didn’t follow; whether it was football or volleyball he would follow them. He was also an avid KC Royals and KC Chiefs fan. His greatest love and enjoyment came from his family; especially his two boys, and grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to brag on them to anyone who would listen. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife; Joyce of Central City, his two sons; Brady Lee (Sheila Michels) Clayton and their two children, Ella Kristen and Miles Joseph of Lincoln, and Adam Paul Clayton of Lincoln, his two brothers; Alan (Ruth) Clayton of Green Valley, AZ and Rob Clayton of Schuyler; two nieces; Lindsay Clayton (John) King of San Diego, CA, and Jamie Clayton of San Francisco, CA; and one aunt – Delores Veburg of Hordville, NE. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents – Lee and Grace Clayton, John and Emily Veburg; father in law- Bernard Kramer.