Ralph Eugene Clayton, 83, of Springfield, passed away on September 5, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on September 24, 1940 in Sabetha, Kansas to Ralph James Clayton and Margaret Arlene Myers-Clayton.

Ralph grew up in Buffalo, MO with his parents and extended family. He was raised in a close group of family and friends who looked after each other and loved to come together for gatherings and picnics. Early in life, while he attended Engle grade school, Ralph worked at Copper's Nursery and planted seedlings for the greenhouse. Later, Ralph worked for his grandfather William Covington Clayton at Clayton Shoe Repair in Buffalo, MO during high school. The relationship and love he had for his grandparents W.C. and Ethel Clayton continued his entire life as he enjoyed them greatly. Ralph frequently told stories and reminisced of fond times. In 1959, Ralph graduated from Buffalo High School.

Ralph served in the United States Army Reserves as Chief of Section, Sargent E-6, A-Company, 3rd Battery, 75th Artillery, 5th Army from April 1963 to February 1969 when he was honorably discharged.

On January 24, 1965, Ralph married Phyllis LaDean Wood, daughter of Finis and LaMerna Wood, in Nevada, MO. From this union a daughter Sherry and a son Randy were born. Ralph and Phyllis were married for 59 years and members of Sunset Church of Christ in Springfield, MO.

Ralph worked at Consumers Markets from 1960 to 1999, where he was a meat cutter and meat department manager. Ralph worked at various locations for Consumers throughout his career. During this time, he made many great friends and dedicated himself to Consumers Markets. He was a member of United Food & Commercial Workers Union. In 1999, when Consumers closed, he began working for Turners IGA until his retirement in 2002. Ralph enjoyed the grocery business and looked forward to any new store that would open.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Sharon Kay Clayton-Crunkleton and Patricia Arlene Clayton-Journey.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Sherry Mason-Clayton (Doug); son, Randy Clayton (Laura Beth); grandchildren Matthew Clayton, Emily Clayton, Lauren Clayton and Ashlynn Mason; great granddaughter Scout Hammers; brother-in-law, Byron Wood (LaDonna) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ralph was a kind, understanding father and faithful, caring husband. Ralph worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He loved to go on vacations whenever possible, taking his family camping, fishing and to Florida beaches. Cherished grandfather to his grandchildren, they were everything to him and his life revolved around them. He was their Papa and so proud of each of his grandchildren; Matthew, who became a United States Marine who served his country with honor; Emily, who is a Springfield Police Officer; Lauren, who graduated with a degree in Criminology and Ashlynn, who is a volleyball player at New Covenant Academy. Recently, a great granddaughter Scout was born who had brought a smile to his face. Not a day every went by that he did not ask about his grandchildren. The highlight of his retirement was to spend time with them and have them spend the night whenever possible. Ralph always enjoyed getting the family together to make homemade ice cream and to have picnics. Family meant so much to him.

Ralph loved fishing on the Niangua River in Buffalo, MO with his grandfather W.C. Clayton, father Ralph Clayton and his children. Later in life, Ralph had a cabin on the Niangua River where his family enjoyed many weekends fishing. Ralph greatly enjoyed fishing on the river, where he did not have a care in the world except to catch fish.

Early in life, Ralph was a member of Stockers Car Club and continued to enjoy NASCAR his entire life, going to Daytona and Dallas Speedways.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be on Monday, September 9 at1:00 PM, also at the Funeral Home. Ralph will be buried in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, MO, alongside his Father, Mother and Sister.

Ralph's Memorial Slideshow can be viewed here .