Clayton E. Thomas

Clayton E. Thomas, 84, Dover, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Clayton was born March 4, 1925 in Dover, the son of Everette J. and Lula Moran Thomas. He attended Highland and Dover schools. He served our country in the US Army, 103rd Infantry, during WWII. Clayton always said that he walked all over Europe. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and a Purple Heart. Upon returning, he worked for Williams Wholesale Drug and worked construction for McClure Concrete. He ran the Mobile Service Station in Dover before going to work for Shawnee County, where he advanced to supervisor of the Bridge Dept. He retired in 1987 when he was able to devote more time to his real passion which was farming. On March 12, 1954, Clayton married Ida Olson Schutter, the only woman he ever loved and they enjoyed 55 years together. She survives. Clayton was a member of Dover Federated Church, was an honorary chapter member of Mission Valley High School FFA, a 60 year member of the Dover Masonic Lodge and the Order of Eastern Star, served on the Auburn Township board and was a member of the Dover American Legion. Other survivors include his children, Ronald Schutter and JoAnn, Eskridge, Kay Sanneman and Dewey, Cheney, Allana Barngrover, Topeka, Connie Miller, Dover, Paul Thomas and Joy, Auburn, and Everette Thomas and Judy, Harveyville; 17 grandchildren, Galen Schutter, Diane Burlew, John Schutter, Jason Schutter, Chris Hays, Debra Lathers, Bruce Hays, Lisa Friesen, Tony Sanneman, Thomas Sanneman, Katty Miller, Heather Dunlap, D.C. Sterbenz, Miya Godfrey, Allan Thomas, Rick Thomas, and Melissa Schlegel; 31 great-grandchildren; a sister, Phyllis Gleason and Harold, Maple Hill; brother, Elden Thomas and Jerry, Burlingame; sister-in-law, Mary Thomas, Harveyville; and many nieces and nephews. Clayton was preceded in death by his parents; son, Allan Schutter; sisters, Geraldine and Betty Thomas; brother, Cecil Thomas; great-grandson, Quinton Schutter; and son-in-law, Dennis Miller. Family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, at Dover Federated Church. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Church. Burial will follow, with military honors provided by Fort Riley, at Dover Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Dover Community Center, to be used to build a picnic pavilion, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614.

Clayton E. Thomas

March 4, 1925 - December 2, 2009