Lige Clayton, 92, peacefully passed away at his home in Beaumont, Texas on April 1, 2020. He was surrounded by family who joined in the rosary, not only in person, but also by phone from Florida, Dallas, New York and Austin.
Lige was born March 9, 1928 in Warren, Texas, preceded in death by his parents Josie and Walter Bailey, his brothers Jesse Clayton, Glenn Bailey, Leon Bailey, James Bailey, WB Bailey and Walter Bruce Bailey, his sisters Dorothy Mitchum, Nell Bailey Hooks and Rosie McCann, his son Paul Douglas Clayton, and his grandson Jared Adam Clayton. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Josephine. Also left to mourn are his children, Darrell Clayton and wife Liz, Belinda Clayton Menard and husband Doyle, Karen Clayton Steward and husband Gerald, Vanessa Clayton Ward and husband Jeff. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Eric Clayton and husband Jeremy, Maren Menard, Lige Menard, Heather Besser and husband Barrett, Janna Menard, Kirby Clayton, Morgan Steward, and Andrea Steward; great grandchildren Lige Menard, Julia Menard, Kyden Lyon, Leif Menard, Kahlan Menard, Dylan Key, and Lennox Besser. He is also survived by his sister, Walterine Bailey Loftin.
Lige’s illustrious career included retiring from Bethlehem Steel Company, and is most remembered for being an assistant business agent for Boilermakers Local 587 and CLEAT. Lige participated in World War II and was a member of the Blue Devils and the 82nd Airborne. He para-trooped directly onto the battlegrounds of Normandy and earned various medals, including a Purple Heart, and was considered a hero.
Lige brought a sense of fun to everything he did. He loved to sing “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers, without concern to whether it was off key. He loved his family and gave nicknames to everyone, such as “Christmas Turkey.” He loved to tell crazy stories that he insisted were true. It seems fitting that this prankster passed on April Fool’s Day.
Although he participated in many roles, Lige most cherished that of a husband and father. Josephine and his children were the light of his life. He will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, uncle and grandfather, whose love knew no end.
Lige’s life will be celebrated at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Beaumont, Texas on a date and time to be announced.
Social Media