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Official Obituary of

John P. Clayton

October 21, 1932 ~ February 4, 2019 (age 86) 86 Years Old

John Clayton Obituary

KEWANEE – John P. Clayton, 86, of Kewanee, passed away Monday, February 4, 2019 at Royal Oaks Care Center in Kewanee with his wife by his side.

He was born October 21, 1932 in Farmington, IL, the son of Fred and Oce (Schuler) Clayton. He married Marlene Murphy on July 16, 1983 at the First Congregational Church in Wyoming in a private ceremony with Milt and Mary Carlson as attendants. Survivors include his wife of Kewanee, his step-son, Matt Murphy of Las Vegas, NV and Matt’s little Yorkie, Oakie. Other survivors include three sisters-in-law; Farlene Clayton of Peoria, Joan Clayton of Windsor, CA and Pat LaRue of Bryant, AR and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Fred, Richard, his twin, Gene and Roger, brothers-in-law, Gary and William LaRue and a brother and sister-in-law, Cleo and Jeanneane Nance.

John graduated from Farmington High School in 1950 and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Education degree from Western Illinois College in 1954. His teaching career of PE and grade school studies started in Sheffield and then for the Dunlap School District and then lastly for 26 years for the Wyoming School District, retiring in 1989. He also coached junior high boys’ basketball in Wyoming.

He was avid sports fan following the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. John was a member of the 1949 Farmington High School football team that was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at the Peoria Civic Center in February of 2005. Following his retirement, John volunteered his time decorating Windmont Park for the Christmas season. He and his wife enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas to visit son, Matt. He also enjoyed playing cards with his friends; Maryann, Dee and Bill. John was a loving husband and a great father to Matt, treating him like he was his own.

It was John’s wish to forego funeral services and be remembered in life as a kind and caring man. Memorials may be directed to Abilities Plus, 1100 N. East St., Kewanee, IL 61443, Henry County Humane Society, 197 Fisher Ave., Kewanee, IL 61443 or to OSF Hospice, 3405 N. Seminary St., Galesburg, IL 61401. Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee is in charge of arrangements.

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