Carlos Noel Clayton

Carlos Noel Clayton, 97, passed away on January 7, 2020 at Friendship Village, Columbus, Ohio; his residence for the past 18 years.

Born on September 15, 1922, in West Virginia, Carlos was one of the dwindling “greatest generation.” He grew up in Alexandria, Ohio very poor, with his father, Morton Clayton, and siblings. The youngest of seven children, he was raised by his older sisters as his mother, Emma Smith Clayton, had died when he was a young child. He graduated from Granville High School. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Heft Clayton, to whom he was married for over fifty years. Also preceded by many friends at Friendship Village, including special companion Thelma Dagger.

A wonderful husband and father, he was beloved by all who knew him. After his family and friends, his greatest loves were flying, travel and gardening. Enlisting in the Army Air Corp in 1941, he became a B-24 pilot. For many years following WWII, he pursued this passion as a flight instructor.

Carlos was a man of many talents. After working as a mason, chemist, hobby farmer and self-employed TV repairman, he began his long career with Diamond Electronics in Lancaster Ohio. His work took him throughout the US as well as to many countries on six continents, frequently accompanied by Louise. Together they also opened their home to the international clients he was training.

He fed his family with his wonderful gardens and orchards, a passion he inherited from his father and passed on to his children. He taught his children to love and care for the earth.

As a Christian active in his faith, he often helped strangers and supported many social justice and environmental causes. After retiring he volunteered for many years building houses with Habitat for Humanity in both Ohio and Florida.

He is survived by his four children, Douglas Clayton, Ann Jacob, Mary Hogan, and Beth Goff; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

All are welcome to a Memorial Celebration that will be held on Sunday, March 8, 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. at Friendship Village, 5800 Forest Hills Blvd, Columbus Ohio.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in his name to Habitat for Humanity.

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