Tom Clayton Jr.

Tom was born on August 2, 1937, in Van Buren, Arkansas, to Thomas Jefferson Clayton and Edith Mae Roberts Clayton. He was raised alongside his brother and sister in a loving Christian home, where his family was active in First Baptist Church. Tom graduated from Van Buren High School in 1955 and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959. He later graduated from Arkansas Tech University.

Tom built a long and fulfilling career as an engineer with General Electric, which later became Trane Manufacturing. He took great pride in his work and after 33 years with the company, Tom retired in 2001. While Tom was proud of his career and his service to his country, his greatest calling was serving the Lord and the people around him.

In 1969, Tom joined Grand Avenue Baptist Church. For 35 years, he faithfully taught Sunday School. He spent 19 years volunteering four days a week with the Helping Hands ministry, quietly serving others and giving his time to those who needed it most. Tom was also active in Evangelism Explosion for many years. It was through that ministry that he met the love of his life, Wanda.

Tom and Wanda were married for 42 years, but their story was so much more than a marriage. They were best friends, constant companions and truly inseparable. Their love for one another was evident to everyone who knew them. They walked through life side by side, and the love and devotion they shared became an example to their family and friends. Their relationship was a beautiful testament to what it means to love, serve and choose one another every day.

To his grandchildren, Tom was lovingly known as Pepa. He loved to fish, but what he loved even more was teaching his grandchildren to fish. Those fishing trips were opportunities to spend time together, tell stories, laugh, teach, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Most importantly, Pepa taught his grandchildren to love Jesus and to live their lives with faith, kindness and a servant’s heart.

Tom leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply by the number of years he lived, but by the lives he touched along the way. Tom loved his family fiercely. He was the kind of man who put others first, helped without being asked, gave without expecting anything in return and showed his love through countless quiet acts of service. He didn't need recognition for the things he did. Serving others was simply who he was.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Irene Gann; his brother, Bill Clayton; his grandson, Austin Elder; and his granddaughter, Lauren Bare.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, best friend and constant companion, Wanda Clayton; his sons, Mark Clayton (Jo) and Mike Clayton (Lourdes); his bonus daughters, Tina Bare (Michael), Gina Elder (fiancé Michael) and Melissa Gibbs (Harold); eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed to know him.

Tom was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed. But his family finds comfort knowing that the man who spent his life pointing others toward Jesus is now in the presence of the Savior he loved and served so faithfully.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday, September 28th at 1:00pm. Visitation will be held the hour prior beginning at 12:00pm. Burial will follow the service at Oak Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be some of his grandchildren: Matthew Clayton, Christopher Clayton, Brittany Przybysz (representing her brother Austin Elder), Alex Bare, Nash Griggs and Trent Griggs.