Tommy R. Clayton

Tommy Rutledge Clayton, 84, of Muskogee, OK, born September 14th, 1940, in Haskell, OK, to Nile and Vera Martin Clayton, passed away peacefully on November 28th, 2024, with his family by his bedside. Tommy graduated from Haskell High School in 1958, earned his degree from Connors Community College in Warner, OK in 1960, and later received his master's in education from Northeastern State University, in Tahlequah, OK, in 1962. A passionate educator, he served as a history teacher for 26 years, shaping young minds in Tulsa, Vian, Okmulgee and Mounds. Tommy met the love of his life, Christine English and the two were married on June 1, 1973, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Their union became the foundation of a beautiful life together, filled with the joys of raising children, welcoming grandchildren, and creating countless cherished memories over 51 wonderful years. In addition to his teaching career, Tommy proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve for 21 years, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC/E7). His commitment to service extended into his role as a sports official where he spent 37 years officiating, earning induction into the Oklahoma Official's Association Hall of Fame in 2016. Tommy was a devoted member of the Church of Christ and an active participant in organizations such as the Oklahoma Coach's Association and the Oklahoma Retired Teachers Association. He loved his community and cherished the relationships he built through his life. Tommy is preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Nila and Jack Taylor; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Beamer. He is survived by his wife, Christine Clayton, of Muskogee, OK; sons, Marc Clayton and wife, Jamie of Broken Arrow, OK, Randy Clayton and wife, Lisa of Fort Gibson, OK; grandchildren, Cailynn, Brylee, Cade, Rhett, and Carsyn Clayton; sister, Sue Beamer of Austin, TX; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Greg and Liz Holleyman of Broken Arrow, OK; numerous nieces; nephews; and cousins all of whom he cherished deeply. A reception to celebrate Tommy’s life will be 2PM-4PM, Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Muskogee Church of Christ. Jack Schultz, Gary Drain, Jan Colombin, Wayne Cardwell, Cade Clayton, and Rhett Clayton will serve as honorary urn bearers. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Tommy’s name to Muskogee Church of Christ Adoption Committee. The family of Tommy Rutledge Clayton has entrusted his care, service, and cremation to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home & Crematory, Muskogee. 918-910-8883. Online condolences may be left for the Clayton family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Tommy R. Clayton

September 14, 1940 - November 28, 2024