Clayton Eugene Bontz

Born at home July 2, 1928 in Limestone Township, Peoria County to Louis E. and Eleanor G. (Clinebell) Bontz, Clayton married Dixie Elaine Dixon November 3, 1956 in Bellevue. Dixie passed away November 22, 1967 in Peoria. To this marriage they had 3 children, Bruce E, (Nan) Bontz, Beth E. Wirth and Melanie E. Hart. Clayton married Mary Alice Pickett on December 2, 1983, in Glasford.

Clayton is survived by his wife, Mary Alice; three children, Bruce, Beth and Melanie; seven grandchildren, Peter and Karrissa Bontz, Rebecca Bachman, Elizabeth and John Jatkowski, Allison and Joseph Hockstra, Eric and Chelsea Hart, Rachel (Rob) Hart and Cody Wirth; ten great-grandchildren, Olivia Bontz, Owen Fresia, Murphy Jatkowski, Cooper Jatkowski, Kayce Jatkowski, Birdie Bachman, Dixie Bachman, Mark Hockstra, Matthew Hockstra, Sylvie Hart and one on the way; three sisters-in-laws, Joyce Grafelman, Debby and Denny Landwehr and Denise and Larry King and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Dixie; his brother, Leland Bontz and wife Anna; his sister, Sandra Lou Ford and husband Gail; his nephew, Steve Ford; his in-laws, Dorance and Hazel Dixon and Eugene and Virginia Pickett; his son-in-law, Brian Wirth and his brother-in-law, Everett Grafelman.

Clayton served his country in the United States Army in Korea from 1951 to 1953 as a diesel engineer.

Clayton was a farmer his entire life raising corn, soybeans and hogs. He worked for a short time as a heavy equipment mechanic for International Truck, A.E. Hudson Co., Caterpillar and Capitol Tractor. He was honored as pork producer of the year.

Clayton enjoyed square dancing all his life and made lifetime friendships. He was also an avid outdoor sportsman.

He served on the Westwood School Board and the Interim School Board for Illini Bluffs School District.

Clayton served on the Maple Ridge Cemetery Board for 40 years as well as Harker’s Corner Cemetery Board.

He was a member of White Chapel United Methodist Church in rural Glasford and served on the board in various positions. Clayton was a member of the Glasford American Legion Post 35, Peoria County Pork Producers and Peoria County Farm Bureau.

Clayton’s funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 29, 2025 at White Chapel United Methodist Church, 27721 East County Road 27 in rural Glasford. Pastor Larry Fitch will officiate. Burial will follow at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Mapleton. Military Rites will be accorded by Glasford American Legion Post 35. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorials may be given to The Salvation Army, 243 Derby Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554, Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607 or OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 IL-91, Peoria, Illinois 61615.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com