FAYETTEVILLE – Gary Lynn Clayton,

64, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. Gary was born on Oct. 17, 1955, in Coffeyville, Kan., to Ottis Earl and Margaret Louise (Beair) Clayton.

His family moved around to several places throughout his childhood. They spent the most amount of time in California where Gary graduated high school and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and minored in Political Science from California State University in Fullerton

While in high school, Gary enlisted in the ROTC program. It allowed him to go to college and earn his degree. Upon graduating college, he went on active duty with the Marine Corps and proudly served his country until he received an honorable discharge due to medical reasons.

In 1977, Gary married Mary Leesa McCarty Leon-Guerrero and together they had two children, Jason Clayton and Marissa Clayton. They divorced in 1987.

On May 6, 1989, he married the love of his life, Michele D. Hait, in Dewey, Okla. The couple made their home in Fayetteville, Ark., where they have spent the past 31 years. Together they have raised their wonderful family. Gary worked the past 20-25 years in the poultry production industry. Throughout those years he held various job titles; the main title which he had the longest amount of time was Head Safety Coordinator. At the time of his passing, Gary was Safety Director at OK Foods.

He loved spending time with his family, especially the time he got to spend with his granddaughter. Gary enjoyed fishing and grilling. The family favorites were his grilled ribs, Chamorro chicken and pork roast. He was also very proud of his Thanksgiving turkey he prepared for his family each year.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his life loving wife, Michele Clayton of the home; children, Jason Clayton and girlfriend, Meg Brandt of Lowell, Ark., Marissa Clayton, Katherine Guerrero and Ryan Clayton, all three of Fayetteville, Ark.; a very special granddaughter, Alana Guerrero; brother, Randy Clayton of Fayetteville, Ark.; sisterin-law, Billie Clayton of Texas; step-sisters-in-law, Kim (David) Douglas of Toronto, Kan. and Kristi (Marshall) Hudgens of Ponca City, Okla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ottis Earl and Margaret Louise Clayton; and by a brother, Ronald Clayton.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, at 2 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church in Caney, Kan. Evangelist David Bycroft officiated. Burial was at the Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney, Kan.

The family suggests memorials can be made to Service Dogs of Distinction, P.O. Box 73, Mt. Vernon, Ark. 72111; contributions can be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 N. Cline Road, Coffeyville, Kan. 67337.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville, Kan. is in charge of arrangements.

To leave a message for the family online, visit www.dwbfh.com.

A memorial service will be schedule at a later date in Fayetteville for those who wish to pay their respects.