Ralph Clayton

Mr. Ralph N. Clayton, 89 of Herrin, Illinois died on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at Herrin Hospital in Herrin, Illinois. Born Monday, July 21, 1924 in Marion, Illinois to Lum and Opal (Parmley) Clayton. He was the husband of Lois (Denton) Clayton of Herrin she survives. Other survivors are children; Terry and Darla Clayton of Oklahoma, Bill Free, Richard Free both of West Frankfort and Mary Ann and Ed West of Herrin. Also surviving are 4 sisters; Betty and Kenny Pankey of Marion,Bonnie and Lowell of Texas, Linda Clayton and Denise Sizemore both of Herrin. Mr Clayton is survived by 3 grand Children; Jeremy and Dana Clayton of Cape, Pam and Tom Hatley of Herrin, Dan Free of West Frankfort and 9 great grand children and 2 great-great grandchildren. Ralph was a auto mechanic, served in WWII in the Army and was a POW in Germany during the war. Ralph and Lois were the care takers of the Southern Illinois Church of God Campgrounds in West Frankfort and he was a member of 1st Church of God in Marion Ill. Mr. Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, his 1st wife Roberta (Mainer) Clayton she died in 1970, 1 son Michael, 1 daughter Darla Jean, 1 granddaughter Amy Lynne West, 4 brothers; Donald, Kenny, Philip, Bill and 1 sister Barbara Sweet. A Funeral service will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday at 1st Church of God located at Marion, Illinois 62948. Interment will be in Spring Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 1, 2014, at 1st Church of God Marion, Illinois.