Robert Clinton “Bob” Clayton, age 65, of St. Ignace, Michigan died Friday, October 7, 2011 at Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace. He was born June 5, 1946 in Allegan, Michigan, the son of Enoch Clinton Clayton and Lucille Audrey (Woodard) Clayton. Bob is survived by his wife of 43 years, Bonita Louise “Bonnie” (Hawley) Clayton of St. Ignace; four daughters, Penni (Keith Stollings) Clayton of Port Huron, Michigan, Nicole (Temple) Laux Jr. of Holland, Michigan, Courtney (John) McClure of Moran, Michigan, and Lesley Clayton of Pickford, Michigan; grandchildren, Raelynn Sayles, Cassandra Louise (Joseph Wilkins) Clayton, Keith Clinton Clayton, Sara Ann Laux, Angel Lynn Clayton, Daniel Arthur Laux, Temple Arthur Laux III, Tyler Anthony McMillan, Trevor John McClure, Hunter Casper Amacher, and Summer Lee Amacher; and one great granddaughter, just 12 days old, Cheyanne Nicole Wilkins.  Also surviving are his sister, Dorothy Hill of Cedar Springs; brothers, Charles “Chuck” Clayton of Empire, Michigan and David (Brenda) Clayton of Traverse City, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by one son, Robert Clinton Clayton Jr.; his parents; one granddaughter, Cheyanne Sayles; brother-in-law, Ernie Hill; nephew, David Clayton Jr.; and niece April Clayton. Bob grew up in Dorr and Cedar Springs, Michigan and then served in the United States Navy for seven years. He returned to Cedar Springs and worked in his father’s foundry for a few years before moving to the Eastern Upper Peninsula in 1980. In the EUP area, he worked for the Sault Tribe at the casinos, at Kronemeyer Dairy Farm in Pickford, at a manufacturing plant in Kincheloe, and most recently, at the KOA Campground in St. Ignace.  He retired three years ago. Bob was a member of the American Legion in Cedar Springs and of the Moose Lodge #999 in St. Ignace. Bob’s favorite place was “Wally World” (Wal-Mart). He enjoyed doing his yard work, feeding the birds and deer in winter, going to the Casino’s on Thursdays, gardening, picking berries of all types and making homemade jellies with them, camping and ice fishing.  Bob made great homemade pizza for his family which they all enjoyed.  The girls remember painting his toenails pink and his friends at work teasing him. He will be greatly missed. The family is holding a private memorial gathering.
Reamer Galer Funeral Home, 24549 S. M-129 in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.reamergalerfuneralhome.com.