Obituary of Thomas Ray Clayton

Tommy was born August 2, 1959, in Houston, MO, to Evalee and Ray Dow Clayton. He graduated from Licking High School in 1978 and continued to live most of his life in Licking. In 2001, he married Teresa, and became a wonderful father to Evan and Shelby. After his grandson Elijah was born in 2005, Tommy spent many hours with him fishing, playing and talking about pulling trucks. Tommy is survived by his wife, Teresa; children, Evan and Shelby; a grandson, Elijah; his mother, Evalee; three brothers, Ramon, Len and Tillman; an aunt, Deanna; his mother and father in-law, Phyllis and Jim Kirby; a sister and brother in-law, Tena and Walter; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Dow. Tommy loved the outdoors, and was an avid fisherman and talented coon hunter. One of his most prized accomplishments was placing Top 10 in the World Hunt with his coon dog, Sheena. Tommy was known as being a "jack of all trades" who could fix almost anything, and was always willing to help. Tommy was a man of faith, and attended church at Boone Creek in Licking, MO and most recently at New Harmony in Salem, MO. Tommy passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the age of 54 years. He will be greatly missed.