Valden Lavar Clayson

He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 21, 1941, to Lavar Alma and Allene Stott Clayson.

Val graduated from Payson High School in Payson, Utah. He married his eternal companion Kathryn Louise Franz, in the Salt Lake Utah Temple on August 20, 1964. They were sealed by Boyd K. Packer.

Val served in the United States Air Force from December 1966 to December 1970. He was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, Chanute Air Force Base, and Norton Air Force Base.

Val was hired on at the United States Postal Service, as a mail carrier, in May 1971. He retired in 2002. Prior to his career with the Post Office, he worked at the Salt Lake City School District, Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Parks, Salt Lake Auto Parts, and Love Machine Company.

Val loved to play poker and bowl in his free time. He competed in ABC Bowling Tournaments around the country from 1985 to 1990. Val and Kathy loved traveling. Some of their favorite destinations were Hawaii, Alaska, Nassau, and Disney World.

Val was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Kayleen, Rosann, and Vernetta.

Val is survived by his wife, Kathy, of 60 years, his children Jeffery Clayson (Kim), Annette Keeler (Alan), and Gregory Clayson (Susan). His grandchildren: Angela Clayson, Brandon Stillman (Maria), Kelsey Stillman, Tyler Clayson, Ashlan Swainston (Hayden), Ethan Keeler (Rachael), Jaydan Keeler (Maddie), Logan Keeler, and his 5 great grandchildren.

Service Information

A public viewing will be held on August 22, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the LDS Church on 4310 S. 3200 W., West Valley City, Utah.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am at Memorial Redwood Cemetery on 6500 S Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.