Howard David Clayton, 61, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013. He was born on June 2, 1952 in New Martinsville, WV to the late Homer and Florence Clayton. Howard was a coal miner in WV for many years, and worked as a prison guard at the Moundsville Penitentiary. He also served his country in the U.S. Army, while stationed in Germany during the Vietnam Era. Locally Howard was a teacher at Carver Middle School, where he ‘loved’ his kids. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 219 in Fruitland Park, and the Legion Post in The Villages. Howard is survived by one daughter Melissa Clayton, four sisters; Tammy Bolton, Rosemary Routa, Patty Bassett and Charlotte Chipps all of WV, and a brother; Frank Clayton also of WV. He will be sadly missed by his girlfriend; Suzie Dube, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife; Jeanie Gatti Miller Clayton, and two siblings; Jerry Clayton and Peggy Ann Dawson. A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Howard D. Clayton will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2nd in the Page-Theus Funeral Home. Friends and family may call at the funeral home from 1:00 until 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials in Howard’s honor be sent to Carver Middle School.
