Steve Clayton of Lakeville (formerly of Jordan) passed away on May 2, 2015 at the age of 67. Mass of Christian Burial is Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 11:00 AM with visitation two hours prior at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. Father Timothy Yanta will preside. Steve’s children will act as urn bearers, and he will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery during a private family interment.

It was November 14, 1947, and a beautiful autumn day in Sikeston, Missouri when Jim and Wilma Clayton celebrated the birth of their son James Stephen Clayton. Steve was the eldest of eight children and absolutely loved growing up with his brothers and sisters. He was also very close to his uncle Philip Beck, who was more like a brother to Steve than an uncle. As a child, Steve lived near a neighborhood grocery store that his grandmother owned. He loved spending time there and was even known to steal a piece of candy or two, or three, but only from time to time.

When Steve was a teenager his family moved to Jordan, MN. Jordan instantly became home for Steve and where he quickly made life-long friends. He was even lucky enough to meet Pat, the woman he fell head over heels for, and the love of his life. Steve felt so at home in Jordan that he decided to stay while the rest of his family made the move to Oklahoma, the same year he graduated from high school.

Steve and Pat had the same group of friends and began dating in high school. Their love flourished over the years and they devoted their lives to each other on June 18, 1966 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. They lived in Jordan for a number of years before moving to Chaska and eventually settling in Lakeville. They were blessed with four magnificent children, Chris, Steph, David and Dan.

As a family they loved to camp and take road trips. Steve eventually bought a motor home so they could all travel together in style. They took many memorable trips, including a trip to the Black Hills and a family reunion in the Ozarks of Tennessee. The family eventually traded in the motor home for a log cabin in Northern Minnesota on the shores of Lake Edward. Steve and his family loved gathering at the cabin to fish, boat, and spend time together. The grandkids particularly loved the four-wheeler and the lawn tractor rides that Steve would be the conductor of.

Throughout the years, Steve was a dedicated employee at McQuay International. He worked as a computer analyst for more than 35 years. He enjoyed his work and was extremely talented at what he did. After retirement, Steve was able to pursue some of his passions, including reading, cooking, and buying and restoring antiques with Pat. In addition, Steve also loved to hunt and fish. Above all, Steve enjoyed spending his time at the cabin in the company of his family.

After a long battle with health issues, Steve passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN with his family by his side. He was a loving husband, supportive father, and wonderful grandpa. He will be deeply missed and remembered always by his wife, Pat Clayton; children, Chris (Rick) Schroers, Steph (Duane) Ebert, David (Alyssa) Clayton and Dan Clayton; grandchildren, Brittney (fiancé Phil Lafontaine) Schroers, Emily Schroers, Parker Ebert, Oliva Carroll, Owen Clayton and Wren Clayton; siblings, Bruce Clayton, Greg Clayton, Ray Smith, Belinda Weltmeyer, Jeff Smith and Melissa Jones, along with other loving relatives and many dear friends.

There to greet Steve in Heaven are his parents, Jim and Wilma Clayton; step-father, Ray Smith; brother, David Clayton.

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