John O. “Bill” Clayton

John O. “Bill” Clayton, 97, of Vidor, Texas, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Quinlan, Oklahoma, on August 13, 1926, to Lelia L. Newman and Charles E. Clayton.

John was a longtime resident of Beaumont, Texas.  He grew up on his family farm in Oklahoma where he enjoyed helping his dad by tilling the land and gardening.  He graduated from Richmond High School and later went to Oklahoma A&M (later renamed OSU, Oklahoma State University) and graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering.  He began his professional career as an electrical engineer with General Electric (GE).  During his time with GE, he traveled all over the country, positively impacting the lives of his co-workers and friends he made along the way.  After a long and fulfilling career of 40+ years, he retired from GE.  He enjoyed his retirement by gardening, golfing, fishing, traveling, and spending time with family, but later decided to continue his work as an engineering consultant.  His specialty with turbines and generators made his knowledge and expertise very valuable.  He was one of the top consultants in the United States.

While John had a fulfilling and passionate career in engineering, all those who know him know that his true passion was spreading the love of Jesus Christ.  He found his church home at Calvary Baptist Church when he and his family moved back to Beaumont in 1983.  He became a Deacon in the church and also joined The Gideons International.  After many years of service, he was honored to become president of The Gideons International in Beaumont.  During his time with The Gideons, he spread the word of Jesus Christ by passing out Bibles on local college campuses, hotels, and prisons.

John was married to the love of his life, Gladys, for 68 years before her passing. He enjoyed holidays with his loved ones.  Everyone always looked forward to his homemade ice cream and fresh green beans picked from his garden.  He especially enjoyed Christmas when he would break out his handmade “Happy Birthday Jesus” Christmas lights that he proudly displayed on the front of his home.

Survivors include his children, Carolyn Brady and her husband, Joe, of San Antonio; Patty Howie and her husband, Colin, of Beaumont; Holly Petrie and her husband, Daniel, of Vidor; grandchildren, Kim Willis and her husband, Mark; Ginger Kelley and her husband, Chip; Connie Stroud and her husband, Dwaine; Matthew Brady and his wife, Lauren; Jonathan Brady and his wife, Lindsey; Kaitlyn Kilmer and her husband, Derik; Tori Cleveland and her husband, Dillion; Clayton Petrie; Harris Petrie and his fiancée, Taryn; 29 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great grandchildren; brother, J.C. Clayton and his wife, Totsie; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family.

John is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gladys Clayton; son, Dean Clayton; sisters, Verla Grayson and Leola Alley.

A gathering of John’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.  His Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 14, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church, 3650 Dowlen Road, Beaumont.  A final graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 17, 2024, at Cedardale Cemetery, Mooreland, Oklahoma.