Clayton Gene Youree

As the lights had dimmed over Bakersfield, CA on October 16, 2006, with the passing of Pamela Ann “Palou” Youree, they have dimmed once more in Bakersfield and the whole of Kern County with the passing of Clayton Gene Youree, 91, in the early morning hours of May 25, 2024.

Born on June 19, 1932, to Beatred Timmie “BT” Youree and Gladys Youree, in Walters, Oklahoma.

Clayton leaves behind his loving family: His daughter Nastacia Patel and husband Bharat “Baz,” along with her children Sage and Tatum Hostetter. His son Mitchell “Cameron” Youree and wife Kristin, along with their children Carter and Sofia Youree. His brother Royce Youree, along with sister in-laws Gail Carter and Vicki Russell, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Beatred Timmie “BT” and Gladys Youree, his loving wife of 45 years, Pamela “Palou” Youree, and his sister Joyce Kozlowski.

Clayton was born in Walters, OK. Due to the effects of the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, the family packed up and moved to Santa Maria, California. He attended and graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1946. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951, and served as an Airman on the U.S.S. Essex during the Korean War and finished his service with the C.F.R. in Adak, Alaska. He was honorably discharged October, 1954.

After returning from duty Clayton returned to his family who had moved to Coalinga, CA. He then attended Coalinga College, now known as West Hills College, where is met the Love of His Life, Pamela Ayers. Upon graduating, he followed Pamela to Fresno State University and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. He applied and was accepted into the Kern County Firefighters Academy.

Clayton graduated from the Kern County Firefighters Academy in 1964 and began the journey that would consume him for over two decades. In 1968, Clayton became a member in good standing of the Kern County Fire Fighters Union. During his career he held all positions on the Kern County Fire Fighters Board of Directors: Trustee, Director, Vice President and President. During his term as Union President from 1974 - 1981, Clayton was elected as the 3rd District Vice President of the California Professional Firefighters serving from 1980 – 1984.

Unfortunately, Clayton’s career in the Fire Department was cut short when he was forced to retire due to heart complications not allowing him to return to duty in the field. Clayton retired as a Captain of the Kern County Fire Department in 1990. Although health complications kept him from active duty, Clayton continued his close ties to the Union, Local 1301. In 2005, he was offered and accepted a newly designated position as Past President for the Union, a position for which he held in great honor until the day he died. For every Union President that was elected to term, he always offered a letter of resignation that was respectfully refused each time.

At the California Professional Firefighters Convention of 2008, Clayton was honored with Resolution # 35, which states, with all positions held and parts played in the physical and financial growth of the California Professional Firefighters in the early years as 3rd District Vice President, it was resolved that Clayton be honored with 3rdDistrict Vice President Emeritus status, a position he also held until the day he died.

Along with all of the accomplishments over his Fire Fighting career with the Union and CPF, Clayton was recognized for other honors. In 1988, he was given the Kern County Award for Service in recognition of his 20 years of employment service to the County of Kern and its community. In 2008, he was presented with Alumnus of the Year for the Class of 1957 from West Hills College Coalinga, for Educational Achievement, Professional Success and making a difference in the lives of others through public and community service. In 2011, he was honored to represent and speak for the induction of the 1956 Football Team to the West Hills College Coalinga Athletic Hall of Fame. A team that was left short of an undefeated season due to a controversial play at the end of regulation in the Orange Show Bowl played in San Bernardino, CA.

Claytons’ life outside the KCFD and Union was filled with time for his family. He was a devoted husband and father who spent his free time on the golf course, fishing in Mexico, camping and bowling. There were many trips with family and friends traveling the country, as well as a cruise to Alaska. Wherever he went a camera was in tow to document the adventures. He loved visiting with his four Grandchildren who were the joys of his life. One of his main loves was dancing with the love of his life Pamela. Whenever there was a night on the town, you could be assured that Clay and Pam would be on the dance floor. The night usually ended at Trouts on Chester. He loved to enjoy life to the fullest. The quote, “Work hard, play hard” was not lost on him. As time moved on, and due to health reasons, he was not able to do all that he loved. He still made time for Local 1301 and tried to fulfill his duties as Past President until he was not physically able. To the credit of the Union, they never asked for his resignation, even after he was incapable to perform them. God bless Local 1301 and the Kern County Fire Department.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Debbi and Danny Stevenson, as well as his longtime friend and colleague Judi House and her daughter Jennifer, for always being there for him.

Memorial services to be held on Friday, June 21st at 9:00am, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306. At 12:00pm, a celebration of life luncheon will be held at the Kern County Firefighters, Local 1301, 7900 Downing Avenue, Suite D, Bakersfield, CA 93308.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Clayton’s name to the Kern Burn Trust. Donations can be made through kernburntrust.org or by sending a check to Kern Burn Trust, Kern County Firefighters, Local 1301, 7900 Downing Avenue, Suite D, Bakersfield, CA. 93308.