Clayton Weyant Keller

Clayton was born in Ada, Oklahoma, on July 2, 1939. He grew up in Winfield, Kansas, and graduated from Winfield High School in 1957. He attended Emporia State College and graduated in 1961, with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, then continued his education at the University of Kansas. He married Phyllis Jean Thornberry on December 26, 1965.

Interested in news and politics at an early age, Clayton’s career as a reporter and editor included the Winfield Daily Courier, the Topeka Capital-Journal, the Hayward Daily Review, and the Kansas City Star, where he retired in January 2008. Family was Clayton’s first priority; he was the historian of the family, researching genealogy. His greatest joy was traveling with his wife, Phyllis, driving with their children to California and Colorado, and in retirement, trips overseas to France, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

His loving family includes his wife, Phyllis Thornberry Keller of Lenexa, Kansas; his three children, Kimberly (Leo) Reeves of Cameron, Missouri, Kristen (Patrick) Grazier of Overland Park, Kansas, and Kevin (Lynzee) Keller of Shawnee, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Kayleigh (Sevren) Norton-Brewer of East Burke, Vermont, Perrin Reeves and Jimmy Clayton “J.C.” Reeves of Cameron, Missouri, Nicole Grazier of Overland Park, Kansas, Jake Keller, Madison Marie Keller (deceased) and Brayden Keller of Shawnee, Kansas; two great-grandchildren, Alexa and Cohen Clayton Brewer of East Burke, Vermont. He was the beloved oldest brother of Warren (Jody) Keller of Berkeley, California, Judy (Larry) Hatteberg of Wichita, Kansas and Carole (Gregg) Cranston of Grand Junction, Colorado; brother-in-law of John “Jack” Thornberry of Lenexa, Kansas, Phil (Mary Jo) Thornberry of Camdenton, Missouri, as well as Carol Schmalhausen (deceased); and loving uncle to numerous nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester H. “Sam” Keller and Agnes Weyant Keller.

A long-time member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Overland Park, Kansas, Clayton served on the finance committee, helped lead Kids Time, and volunteered with the food pantry. He also volunteered with Tourette’s Syndrome Association which was later named the Joshua Center for Neurological Disorders. The family appreciates the love and care Clayton received from his home health caregivers and his hospice nurse, Keith Loeschner.

Donations in memory of Clayton Keller can be made to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 6422 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS, 66202, and the Joshua Center for Neurological Disorders at https://joshuacenter.com/donation-form/.

A Celebration of Life for Clayton will be held Wednesday, November 8, 2023, beginning at 10:30 AM at St. Mark's Methodist Church, 6422 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS 66202. Following the Celebration of Life will be a Committal Service from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, 13901 Blackbob Road, Olathe, KS 66062.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilley-Frye.com for the Keller family.