Gerald E. “Jerry” Clayton, Jr., age 63, of Pocahontas, passed away Saturday, April 18 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville. A memorial service for 63 year old Gerald E. “Jerry” Clayton, Jr. will be Thursday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Meridith Funeral Home in Pocahontas. Burial will be at a later date. Friends may call Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Diabetes Foundation or Down Syndrome.
Jerry was born April 25, 1951, to Gerald and Martha (nee Burkhalter) Clayton, Sr., in Highland, IL.
He was an Army veteran and worked as a police officer for the Village of Pocahontas. Then he worked as a prison guard for the Bureau of Prisons for 25 years. He was also a Western history buff and a collector of law enforcement memorabilia, which will be on display at Bob’s Civil War Fort Museum in Germantown, IL. His favorite times of the year were Halloween, decorating a parade display, and Christmas, playing Santa Claus for many people.
He is survived by brothers and sisters; Eldon Clayton, Pocahontas, IL, Thomas Clayton, Pocahontas, IL, Eugene (April) Clayton, Pocahontas, IL, Nancy Clayton-Traub, Pocahontas, IL, Carol (Nick) Gregory, Pocahontas, IL, Kimberly May, Pocahontas, IL; Frederick (Molly) Clayton, Pocahontas, IL; nieces and nephews, Shauna, Kyle, Sheryl, Jason, Jeff, Tomi, Steven, Amy, Austin, Tiffany, Lucas, Nash; many cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Martha Clayton, Sr.; a niece, Katie Clayton.
