Gilbert Ray Clayton

Gilbert Ray Clayton, age 69, of Grants Pass, died Sunday, December 4, 2011 at his home.

Family services will be held. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Remembrances may be made to Eagle Project: Wildlife Images – Rehabilitation and Education Center. PO Box 36 Merlin Or 97532 (541) 476-0222

Gilbert was born November 10, 1942 in San Diego, California to Henry & Mirty Clayton. He was raised in California and East Texas. After enlisting in the United States Army he served 2 years in Germany. In 1963 he married Mary Sue Berry. Together they raised six children before she died in 1987.

Gilbert had many occupations. He was most proud of his work with youth including teaching auto mechanics for the Texas Institute of Human Development in Dallas Texas. While living in Glen Rose Texas, he co-owned and operated a movie theater, was a mechanic for Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, and was owner of Clayton’s Garage. He had also worked as a mechanic for concrete machinery in Columbia, South America and Egypt. His last employment was as service manager for Car Tenders in Dallas, Texas. Gilbert was very proud of his Cherokee and Choctaw heritage. He was Chief of Family Services with 'NATO (Native American Tribal Organization). He helped place orphaned Native American children with Native American families and legislated for native rights in Texas.

Gilbert’s hobbies included racing Volkswagen bugs for many years in Texas, fishing, leather work, and antique cars.

Survivors include his wife, Cyn Thia Syncere of Grants Pass, Oregon; five children, Kenneth Ray Clayton of Benbrook, Texas, Alan Scott Clayton of Wheeler, Texas, Tracey Lynne Word of Cleburne, Texas, Aimee Rayeshelle Wood of Celeste, Texas, and Jennifer Deanne Clayton of Tolar, Texas; four stepchildren, Donovan Gilliland of South San Francisco, California, Jason Gilliland, Robin Gilliland, and Shiloh Gilliland all of Grants Pass, Oregon; two brothers, Rex Clayton of Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Henry Clayton of Manti, Utah; 15 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Preceding him in death was a son, Darrell Wayne Clayton of Chula Vista, California.