Dewey Clayton

Dewey was born in Gadsden, Alabama on September 29, 1929 to Willie Clayton and Lena Maude Jenkens Clayton in a Southern Baptist home. He was raised and educated in Gadsden, moving to Pomona, California in 1963. On September 7, 1964 Dewey married the love of his life, Sandra Sabean in Las Vegas, Nevada. They moved to Visalia, California in 1976 to make their home and raise their family. Dewey made industrial valves used on the first Apollo space mission and was given an award by Werner von Braun for his work. He worked for over 60 years in the farming industry, retiring in 1998. Dewey attended Evangelical Free Church of Visalia for many years. He loved to work on cars and his old tractor, whittling wood, yard work and lawn care and firecrackers. Dewey had a great sense of humor. He had a sweet tooth and would follow you anywhere for a Snickers or a Pepsi. But his favorite was Butter Pecan ice cream, which he loved to share. Dewey most enjoyed spending time with his family by traveling together, visiting almost every State Park. They also enjoyed canning food, camping, their many animals and the family Dachshund. Dewey especially enjoyed times spent with his grandchildren.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 49 years, Sandy of Visalia; three daughters, Mary Richardson (Riley) of Altoona, AL, Sandra Dee Fishburn (Larry) of Visalia, CA and Amanda Wright (George Jr.) of Ivanhoe, CA; one brother, Vernon Clayton of Houston, TX; and seven very special grandchildren, Cambria, Emily, Johnathan, Hanna, Ivan, Kyle and Steven and many friends.

Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 1 0 4 p.m. at Sandi’s home in Visalia.

Donations may be made in Dewey’s name to Children’s Hospital of Central California, 9300 Valley Childrens Place, Madera, CA 93636

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.