- Date Of Birth: March 14, 1924
- Date Of Death: November 29, 2009
- State: West Virginia
John “Jack” L. Clayton, 85, a member of the, greatest generation, on November 29, 2009, went home to be with his Lord and Savior and to join Shirley, his wife and soul mate. Born March 14, 1924 in Weymouth, MA. The son of the late Harvey Clayton and Fannie Clayton Simmons. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Greynolds Clayton. They were married Oct. 24, 1944 at the U.S. Naval Hospital, Shoemaker, California. John is survived by one daughter; Linda Helmick of Palmer, Alaska, two nieces raised from childhood, Charlene Lipenski, TX, and Margery Lipenski and companion Pat Graham, NY. Also raised at one time, Kenneth Clayton, NH, Howard Nelson, TX, Dr. Creig Nelson, CA, and Ronald Nelson, TX, one granddaughter, Brandy Helmick, six grandsons; Eric, Aaron, Devin, Craig and Dillon Helmick all of AK; one brother Robert “Bob” Clayton and his wife Jane, MA and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his companion, Silky Terrier, “Apache Leigh”. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law; Mike Helmick, grandson Luke Joniak, one brother, William Harvey Clayton, three sisters, Florence McClure, F. Marie Merrill and Marjorie Nelson Lipenski. John moved to West Virginia in September 1948. He was a veteran of World War II, 1942-1945, serving in the U.S. Navy Seabees, 26th Battalion on Guadalcanal and Tulagi, 1942-1943. He was authorized to wear the Combat Action Ribbon, The American Theatre Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with two bronze stars, Victory Ribbon and the Good Conduct Ribbon. He returned from overseas to the U.S. Naval Hospital, Shoemaker, CA. He attained the rank Ships Cook 1st Class Petty Officer, served in the U.S.
