Clayton Reite Claiborne Obituary in Ankeny at Memorial Services of Iowa

Obituary For Clayton Reite Claiborne

Clayton Reite Claiborne, known as Clay or Papa, 77, of Ankeny, IA, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, Monday, November 23, 2026, at The District Venue (1350 SW Vintage Parkway, Ankeny). In honor of Clayton, family and friends are invited to wear golf attire or Iowa Hawkeye gear.

Clayton was born on December 26, 1948, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the son of Frederick and Edith Claiborne and the third of six children. Clayton often recalled working at his father's car dealership, Claiborne Ford. He also cherished the years he spent growing up in Texas and California, which held many special memories for him. Later in life, Clayton owned and operated Express Print West as its owner and printer.

Throughout his life, Clayton was blessed with four children from two marriages. He shared two children, Jean and Alan, with his former wife. With his wife of 36 years, Sue Ellen, he shared two children, Sarah and Carolyn. Clayton was a proud grandfather to Alexa, Owen, Julen, Luke, Nathan, Olivia, and Wyatt, with one more grandchild soon to join the family.

Clayton enjoyed spending his time golfing, playing cards, and bowling. One of his proudest accomplishments and biggest brags was winning the Midwest Deaf Golf Association (MDGA) Senior Second Flight Championship in 2016. He was also honored to be inducted into the MDGA Hall of Fame. Clayton was a member of the Midwest Deaf Golf Association and, earlier in life, the Des Moines Deaf Club.

Clayton also loved spending time with his dogs, Lola, who preceded him in death, and Murphy. You could often find him relaxing in his chair, petting them and enjoying their company. Clayton will be remembered for his witty sense of humor. His stubbornness was legendary, but so was his smile, and we wouldn't have had him any other way.

Clayton is survived by his beloved wife, Sue Ellen; his children, Jean (Dave), Alan (Nerea), Sarah (Britt), and Carolyn; his grandchildren, Alexa, Owen, Julen, Luke, Nathan, Olivia, and Wyatt; siblings, Charles, Cary, Ruth, and Berkley; as well as other extended loving family members.

Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Edith; his brother, Frederick; and other close family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family to benefit the Midwest Deaf Golfer Association in Clayton's honor.

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