LOREN "SHORTY" CLAYTON JR.

MARION - Loren "Shorty" Clayton Jr., 82, was called into Heaven by his Lord at 10:08am Saturday, December 18, 2010. He was born July 13, 1928 in West Frankfort, Illinois to Loren Clayton Sr and Freida (Wiggins) Clayton.
Shorty married Ingeborg Martha Achammer in September 1955 in Nuremberg, Germany and together they shared 21 years of marriage until her death on October 8, 1976.
Shortly leaves behind 2 children, Loren Clayton III and wife Cyndy of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Brenda Pursell and husband Keith of Herrin, Illinois, one granddaughter Rachel Mariah Pursell of Herrin, Illinois, one sister Edna Dallas and husband Floyd of Anna, Illinois and friend Mildred Lucille Farris of Marion, Illinois. He also leaves behind a good friend, Jerry Cheers of Marion whom he thought the world of… Special thanks to Jerry from the family.

Shorty proudly served his country in the United States Army for 21 years. After his retirement he worked for the Williamson County Sheriffs Department as a jailer. He loved the outdoors and up until his stroke he loved to read. He was an avid gun collector and also loved his cars. He was a life member of the VFW Post 1301 in Marion and also served on the ritual team which provided Military rites for other fellow service members.

Shorty is preceded in death by his father, mother, wife, granddaughter Mary Monica Clayton and one sister Alberta Stephens.

Memorial donations may be made to Lone Oak Baptist Church in Energy, Illinois were he happily attended when his health would allow. Visitation will be from 11am until 1 pm on Wednesday, December 22, 2010. Funeral immediately follows at 1pm at Murman-Wilson funeral home in Johnston City with Rev Jerry Schell officiating. Burial will be in the Clayton Cemetery in West Frankfort.