Jerry Clayton

(From Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home)

Jerry Robert Clayton
Date of birth July 26 1950
Date of death June 7 2025

Jerry was born in Stella, MO to Rosie and Lloyd Clayton of Purdy, MO. Jerry was the ninth of ten children and grew up on a farm near East Purdy.

He graduated from Purdy High School in 1968, where he played basketball and baseball, ran track, and participated in various school plays. For four years he was a member of the double mixed vocal quartet which earned top ratings each year, at the state level. Jerry was Student Council President his junior year of high school. He was co-captain of the basketball team his senior year of high school. He was a member of the Future Farmers of America where he served as Secretary. Jerry was well liked in high school and was voted “Jolliest Junior”, “Sweetheart Jerry” and “Best All Around Senior”.

Jerry married the love of his life, Pamela Jewel Hankins, on February 22, 1969. They had three amazing daughters: Della, Tracie, and Jennifer. Jerry and Pam lived in Kansas, Arizona, Indiana, and Florida before returning to Missouri in 2022.

Jerry had an unwavering work ethic throughout his entire life. He worked in framing/construction in Lawrence, Kansas and surrounding areas; in manufacturing, security, and maintenance at the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in DeSoto, KS; with the Douglas County Department of Transportation in Lawrence, KS; as a school bus driver in Indianapolis, IN; and as an ergonomics specialist for Trane Air Conditioning in Lynn Haven, FL. He retired from Trane in 2016.

Jerry was a huge fan of sports and of his children’s and grandchildren’s various academic, sports, and musical endeavors. He loved Kansas Jayhawk basketball and Kansas City Chiefs football. Jerry, along with Pam, were active as coaches of their girls’ softball teams, and worked for years as a referee and umpire for recreational basketball and softball leagues.

Jerry loved camping, fishing, watching F1 racing, and riding motorcycles. When his children were young, Jerry was an avid bowler. He loved getting out and doing things such as going to Las Vegas, Roaring River, and Branson. He was a fierce competitor in board games and cards. He loved going on cruises and traveling to the Caribbean. Most recently, Jerry loved going to the casino, going antique and thrift store shopping, eating at Chili’s in Joplin and at the Angus Branch Steakhouse in Monett, and watching movies.

He will be forever known for his infectious laugh (and he loved to laugh!), his gift of pulling pranks and jokes, his unwavering devotion and love for his family, and his love of Kansas Jayhawk basketball and Kansas City Chiefs football.

Preceded in death by:

Mom Rosie Clayton

Dad Lloyd Clayton

Sisters: Marcine Shockley, Ruby Johnson, Carolyn Dorsey

Brothers: JD Johnson, Wayne Clayton, Cecil Clayton, Marvin Clayton

Survived by:

Wife of 56 years, Pam Clayton, Monett, MO

Sisters: Linda Day (Corinth, MS), Janie Roberts (Corinth, MS)

Daughters: Della Molloy-Daugherty (Bill Daugherty) Denton, TX; Tracie Zabokrtsky (Chris Byard) Macon, GA; Jennifer Roberts (Ricky Roberts) Lynn Haven, FL

Grandchildren: Caleb Clayton (Grace Kelly Clayton), Lauren Molloy, Isaac Molloy, Jacob Chizmar, Julia Roberts

Great Grandchildren: Beau Clayton, Georgia Grace Clayton

Countless nieces and nephews

A private Celebration of Life is being planned by Jerry’s family.

If you wish to make a donation in honor of Jerry’s life, the family suggests donating directly to:

Alaqua Animal Refuge

155 Dugas Way

Freeport, FL 32439

www. Alaqua.org

This is an organization that was near and dear to Jerry’s heart. He and Pam themselves were rescued by Chelsea, their beloved dog of fourteen years, who they adopted through this amazing organization.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri.