Fred O. Clayton

Fred Oriean Clayton, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away November 17th at the age of 82. A service celebrating Fred’s life will be held April 4, 2026 in Carmel, at The Meeting House in the Village of West Clay from 1pm to 5pm.

Fred was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who valued time with family and close friends. He was known for his steady presence and strength, his thoughtful counsel and judgement, and his consistent willingness to help others.

Fred is survived by his wife of 61 years Kathleen (Kathie) and his four children, Chris and Sam Fulton, Caroline and Donnie Bowsher, Kate and Bill Davis, and Fred and Elizabeth Clayton, and his six beloved grandchildren, Christian, Collier, Will, Isabel, Freddy, and Mary Cate.

Born October 27, 1943, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Wayne and Eva Elaine Clayton, Fred grew up with his three sisters, Linda, Karren, and Kathy Ann, in a modest home learning to be resourceful and dependable. Fred developed an early appreciation for hard work and problem-solving; his natural abilities guided him toward the study of engineering.

Fred earned his civil engineering degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, an institution that became central to his professional identity. He stayed connected to his alma mater throughout his life. He was a member of the Civil Engineering Department Advisory Board and an Alumni Representative to the Board of Trustees. He was recognized by Rose Hulman with their Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1986. He also established the Fred O. and Kathleen E. Clayton Scholarship, which has assisted upcoming engineering graduates for many years. This scholarship will continue to honor his devotion to the college which shaped his professional life.

Fred applied his expertise and business acumen across mining, industrial, and environmental companies and projects throughout his successful career. He traveled to most states and many countries, which led to life-long friends and connections. His business successes provided opportunities for him to travel to legendary fishing destinations and bucket-list golf courses, and opportunities to take Kathie on exotic vacations to beautiful sunny locations.

Fred later extended his impact through Clayton Engineering and Consulting, LLC, where, drawing on his education, experience, and expertise, he provided practical solutions to a wide range of clients. Whether consulting on projects, reviewing designs, or advising teams, he was known for simplifying problems, maintaining high standards, and delivering dependable results.

Fred O Clayton will be remembered as a man who loved and encouraged his family and friends, as an enthusiastic outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and boating, and as an engineer who was always ready to explain how things work. His legacy lives on through his loving family and his generous investments in education.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Fred O. and Kathleen E. Clayton Scholarship is welcome.

We love you Dad