Richard "Craig" Clayton

Oct 11, 1952 -

Jul 2, 2022

It was a beautiful, sunny Alaska summer day, appropriate for a weatherman when Craig made the leap from time to eternity in heaven, knowing Jesus Christ as his Savior.

His wife, Carol Lee; son, Daniel; and sister, Terri, were by his side. He fought the challenges of cancer since 2015 valiantly and without complaint.

Our gratitude is for many - the family and friends who prayed alongside us on this journey and all those who were compatriots, colleagues and fellow adventurers throughout his life.

To the doctors, nurses and caregivers, we say "thank you."

Craig was an all-around athlete for most of his life, enjoying tennis and all things soccer. He entered the Air Force in 1975 for a 30-year career.

He loved the Lord, his family, the United States of America, the Air Force and its weather community, the staff at Wayland Baptist University-Anchorage and the immense beauty of Alaska. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands" - Psalms 19:1. Hiking, cross-country skiing and "taking the high ground" in the mountains was where Craig found peace.

His heart was always with his fellow veterans. He quietly and generously supported numerous Christian, Bible-centered organizations and foundations supporting veterans.

Craig is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Carol Lee; son, Brig Gen (select) Daniel Craig Clayton and his wife Dr. Erica Reynolds Clayton, and their two darling daughters, Brinkley and Breck; sister, Terri Clayton Walker and her son, Ian and his wife, Maret and great-niece, Ayla and great-nephew, Nyle; and Carol Lee's brother, Kenny and his wife Susan, who were with us every step of the way.