Visitation: 3:30-5:30 p.m. March 10, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Funeral: 9:30 a.m. March 11, also at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors to follow at 11 a.m., at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation, Covenant Presbyterian Church or Least Of These Food Pantry.
Clayton Deway Jones, 75, of Nixa, passed away at Mercy Hospital, March 6, 2019. He was born in Grayville, Illinois March 11, 1943, and grew up in McLeansboro, Illinois.
Clayton married Sharon Stavely May 1, 1970. Clayton’s career was primarily in the transportation and insurance industries.
He served six years in the United States Army. Clayton served in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart and the Bronze Medal with a “V” Device (the fourth-highest military decoration for valor).
He was the National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) 2010-2011 and also the MOPH Foundation Board Treasurer. For roughly the last 20 years, he was involved with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, with a personal focus on helping veterans and their families. His efforts included working with Congress to improve veteran benefits.
Clayton was a member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon and Elder. Clayton was also a Master Mason of Polk Lodge No. 137 in McLeansboro, Illinois. He was a proud fan of the Nixa Eagles high school basketball team, following his grandson, Jason Jones, #25. Clayton loved his family, friends and his country. He loved to travel and liked to tell a good story, put a smile on everyone’s face and he was always quick to laugh. Clayton never knew a stranger and was quick to help those in need. He will be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon; children Jay and wife Kris, Richard and wife Lyn, Frances and husband Randy and Julie; grandchildren Jason, Kate, Rachael, Jared and Travis; as well as his sister, Joy Welch; brother-in-law Ken Stavely; and nieces and nephews Shelby Stavely, Kendall Stavely Biles, Doug Cantrell, Candy Cantrell, Pam Welch and Paula Webb.
