He was born on November 23, 1938 in Bens Run, WV, a son of the late Robert Barnhart and Nellie Barnhart Beaver.
Clayton attended St. Mary’s High School in WV. After school he dedicated the majority of his life on the river, retiring as a towboat captain.
He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War.
On December 30, 1965 he married his best friend, Mary Ann Weinschenker, who survives.
He was a member of the International Union of the Operating Engineers Local 66; Carmichaels American Legion, and the Greene County Slavonic Club.
He was an avid gardener, enjoyed canning his crop and sharing it with others. He liked the solitude of fishing and had a strong endearment for animals. Clayton took pride in his famous soup beans that he made for many.
He had a great joy in being with family and friends at parties. He was always the first to jump in and offer a helping hand and gave to those in need.
Surviving in addition to his loving wife Mary Ann are three children, Patty (Michael) Spicer of Hortonville, WI, Pam (Frankie) Policz of Rices Landing and John Barnhart of Rices Landing; seven grandchildren, Matthew Clements, Christopher Policz, Michael Policz, Brandon Hanko, Brooke Barnhart, Nicholas Barnhart and Clayton Spicer; six great grandchildren, Rowan and Maeve Policz, Chandler and Wells Policz, Zion Ringold, Rosalyn Barnhart and Myla Rae Clements due in May 2024; a sister, Anna Hicks of Meadowbridge, WV; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a grandson, Jonathan Barnhart; two brothers, Louis Barnhart and James Barnhart.
Friends will be received on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm; with Military Honors being accorded by the Greene County Honor Guard at 4:00 p.m. in the Behm Funeral Home, 1477 Jefferson Rd., Jefferson, PA 15344, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.
