CLAYTON LEWIS SAYLER
Clayton Lewis Sayler passed away peacefully to be with his heavenly father on January 11, 2021. He was eighty years old.
He was born in Ashley, ND, an only child to Jake and Vivian Sayler. They moved to Lodi in l945 when Clay was 5. He had many childhood jobs starting at age 7 shining shoes and sweeping floors in his father’s barber shop. Throughout his teenage years, he worked as a stock boy for Crete’s Drugstore and a clean-up boy for Roy Bruenner’s Butcher Shop. He graduated from Lodi High School, class of l958. He excelled in sports, notably football. He remained in contact with his class, serving on the committee for reunions since graduation.
Upon graduation, he attended Moler Barber College in Stockton. CA. He started working as a barber on June 12, l958 in his father’s shop, Jakie’s Barber Shop on Sacramento Street in Lodi, CA. He went into partnership with his Dad in l963, changing the shop name to Jake & Clay’s Barber Shop. He was a barber for 57 years, riding his bike to work every day, rain or shine. He survived many bike accidents on his way to work. He loved cutting hair and always said what other profession would allow you to meet so many interesting people, have fun, and get paid for his “gift of gab.” He was also known as “Mayor of Sacramento Street,” the “Flat Top King,” and other monikers that his customers gave him over the years. He not only cut hair in the barbershop, but would follow his disabled and ill customers to their homes or wherever necessary. He truly had a “servant’s heart.”
Clayton loved Lodi and had a very giving spirit, never turning down anyone asking for a donation. He acknowledged everyone in his presence, friend or enemy. He had a way of making you laugh, joking around to cheer you up.
He was active in the community, holding offices with Eastside Committee and Lodi Downtown Business Association for many years. He played softball for years with Lodi Senior Softball Association. He had a very competitive spirit and reluctantly gave it up due to an injury.
He was a member for many years of Bethel Open Bible Church, and more recently River Rock Fellowship, both in Lodi, CA. He was a head usher for 36 years, and although he couldn’t carry a tune, he was known as the “whistler” in church. He was also a gardener for Bethel Retirement Gardens. He was a proud member of a 12-step program, having overcome an addition in his own life in 1995. He experienced a “spiritual awakening” through this program that gave him an understanding of God’s gift to all—love and forgiveness. He was so grateful for “second chances.” He worked the Christian 12-step program and in turn helped others who battled addictions. He was an early-riser, going for his walk to obtain serenity for the day ahead.
He is also preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Vivian (Spitzer) Sayler. He faithfully visited his mother every day while she was a patient at Vienna Convalescent Home for 27 years, suffering from multiple sclerosis. His Grandpa and Grandma Spitzer lived with his parents in Clay’s childhood years. They lived on the eastside of Lodi, moving five times, and he attended three different elementary schools.
His hobby and passion were his classic cars—a l967 blue Mustang convertible and 1963 Corvette red convertible, which was sadly stolen in 2014. When driving around in his classic cars, friends and strangers would give him the high-five sign or want to make an offer to buy his cars. The answer would always be “make me an offer,” knowing no offer would be high enough.
He had a love for sweets, especially pies and German kuchen. He would look forward to his daughter’s kuchen every holiday. Every Christmas, he was especially spoiled by his customers who brought him all kinds of homemade delicacies, See’s candy and samplings of homemade wines!
Without fail, every 62days, Clay would be at Delta Blood Bank donating blood. Over the years he has donated over 25 gallons. He learned how valuable donating blood is when his father needed open heart surgery in l969. He was also very patriotic, making it his mission to the first one in line for voting at 7 AM.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, June (Strobel) Sayler. She spoiled him by bringing his “meals on wheels,” riding her bike to deliver his lunch almost every day.
Their favorite pastime was bike riding around Lodi Lake, the wilderness area, and the Lodi community. They also enjoyed traveling, especially with their Marriott timeshare, along with taking fall foliage tours every year. They traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.
He is also survived by his two daughters, Renee (Ben) VanderHeiden of Las Vegas, NV and Troylene Sayler (Alan Vallow) of Lodi; four grandchildren, Alex Vanderheiden (Monica) of Port Angeles, WA, Max Vanderheiden (Emily) of Chula Vista, CA, Lisa Vanderheiden and Kelly Vanderheiden (Erica Lois) of Kansas City, MO. They dearly loved spending time with their Papa, listening to his childhood memories, taking adventurous car rides and vacations, and passing on his legacy of stories. He is also survived by four great-grandsons, JB, Austin, Axel, and Barrett Vanderheiden.
The family wishes to thank Brookdale Memory Care and Hospice A-Plus for the wonderful care he received for last three years. A private family memorial will be held and there will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association or Salvation Army of Lodi, CA.
Please sign the guest book at lodinews.com/guestbook.