Clayton Richard Church

Born on September 4, 1939, in Big Rapids, Michigan, Clayton was the son of Claude R. Church and Marie E. Church. He spent most of his life in Lansing, Michigan and Evart, Michigan.

Clayton served in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. It was there that he met and married his first wife, Elaine "Joey" Bright. Together, they had four children: John, Angel, Cindy, and Elaine's infant daughter, whom Clayton adopted as his own after their marriage.

In 1971, Clayton married his second wife, Eugenia "Shirley" Tingley. They shared 29 years of marriage until her passing in 2000.

In June 2000, he married Shirley J. Fitch, with whom he spent his remaining years. Sadly, they did not make it to their Silver Anniversary.

A dedicated employee of the City of Lansing, Clayton retired in 1994 after a successful career as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic. His knowledge and skill in the mechanical and construction trades were well-known, and he generously used those talents to help family, friends, and community members. His contributions were especially felt in the local churches, including Central Free Methodist, Delta Mills United Methodist, Woodlawn Nazarene, and South Nazarene Church, where he was always willing to assist fellow members with mechanical problems and construction projects. His love of building and repairing was rooted in the lessons passed down from his father, who instilled in him the knowledge of the craftsmanship and the great pride that came with helping others repair and remodel their homes.

Clayton's passion for travel led him to Florida, where he spent many winters to escape the Michigan cold. He cherished the sunshine and enjoyed showing off his tan when he returned home. Clayton loved spending time with family, including cruises and attending Tough Mudder competitions to cheer on his grandson, Alexander. His pride for his family, especially his grandchildren and step-grandchildren, was immeasurable.

Clayton was a devoted member of South Nazarene Church in Lansing, Michigan, where a memorial service will be held at a later date to allow family and friends time to gather with their loved ones during the holiday season.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Shirley J. Church; daughters, Angel Whitman (Charleston, SC) and Cindy (Jim) Stage (DeWitt, MI); grandson, Alexander (Cye) Whitman (Tampa, FL); granddaughter, Tabitha (Joshua) Caffee and family (Manteo, NC); granddaughter, Crystal (Hayden) Arthur and family (St. Johns, MI); step-daughter, Deborah (Bill) Hayhoe (Holt, MI); step-grandchildren, David Hayhoe and family (Dansville, MI), Amy (Dustin) Kooyers and family (Granville, MI), Kim Shim and family (Ithaca, MI), Eric Hayhoe (Mason, MI), Ryan (Jamie) Fitch and family (Lansing, MI); as well as several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Clayton was preceded in death by his infant son, John Alexander Church; his parents, Claude and Marie Church; his sisters, Caroline (Wayne) Wilson and Thelma (Dick) Lynch; son-in-law, Bret Barr; and stepsons, Richard and Charles Fitch.

Clayton’s life was one of service, love, and dedication. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him