Kenneth E. Clayton, Sr., 88, of Lenexa, Kan., passed away at his home on September 16, 2011. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the Overland Park First Assembly of God, 7700 W. 75th, OP, KS. Arrangements: Bruce Funeral Home, (913) 856-7111. Funeral Services will be the following week at Central Assembly of God in Springfield, Mo., with burial at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements: Greenlawn Funeral Home in Springfield, (417) 833-1111. Memorial contributions may be made to the Overland Park First Assembly of God or the Central Assembly of God in Springfield. Condolences at www.brucefuneralhome.com Kenneth was born Oct. 21, 1922, in Hannibal, Mo., to Frank Henry Clayton, Sr. and Bertha Mae (Haworth) Clayton. Kenneth was previously married to Betty (Langworthy) Clayton of KCMO. Kenneth served in the US Navy during WWII on the LST-744 as part of the Pacific Fleet. He retired after 31 years at SW Bell Telephone Co., in Kansas City as an exchange repairman. Kenneth married Josephine (Cheney) Compton on Nov. 27, 1976, and they moved to Springfield. He also worked with Metropolitan Rod and Reel at Bass Pro Shop. Kenneth was a Mason. He enjoyed golfing and fishing, especially at the Lake of the Ozarks. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Frank Henry Clayton Jr. and wife Jean, Anna Marie Swanson and George Allen Clayton. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Josie, of the home; children, Kenneth Clayton, Jr., Bruce Clayton (Jane), and Georgia Fogle (Brent), all of Olathe, Nancy Windes (Mike) and Mark Clayton of Overland Park, and Carolyn Chick (Ken) of Lenexa, Tony Compton (Jo) of Clinton, Mo., and Charlene Cutbirth of Carrollton, Texas; brother-in-law, Robert Swanson and sister-in-law, Gladys Clayton of Kansas City; 21 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Published in Kansas City Star on September 19, 2011