Jerry Weldon Clayton, 88, left for heaven peacefully at his home on June 11, 2023. He was born to Andy and Neva (Cherry) Clayton. He spent over six decades as the husband to the love of his life, Betty (Brown) Clayton, and served faithfully as her caregiver for the last eight years.
Jerry was quite the hometown legend in his younger years as he enjoyed a remarkable basketball career at Central High School and Evansville College. He broke school records when he scored 487 points during the ACES 54-55 season. A unanimous first-team all Indiana Collegiate Conference choice, Clayton was selected as the ICC’s outstanding player. The NAIA named Clayton a first-team All-American in 1955. He was inducted into the Roberts Stadium Corridor of Champions in 1992. His outstanding basketball career is currently showcased at the Ford Center. (Courtesy of Roberts Stadium)
Jerry retired from the Chrysler Corporation in St. Louis and returned to Evansville with Betty for their golden years. He loved playing golf and was an avid student of the Bible. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was so grateful for his salvation and the life the Lord had blessed him with on this earth.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Betty Clayton (Brown), son Randy Clayton (Dana) formerly of Evansville, grandson Nick Clayton (Elyse) of Las Vegas, Nevada, granddaughter Lindsey Kessler (Eric) of Westfield, Indiana, and great-granddaughter, Chatham Kessler. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Lutz formerly of Evansville, brother Joe Clayton of Du Quoin, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Andy and Neva Clayton, and his brother, Arbin Clayton.
Visitation will be from 10 am until the time of service at 12pm on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Sunset Funeral Home officiated by Pastor Sue Williams with a burial to directly follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Evansville Rescue Mission.
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