Clayton Pace, Jr.
January 14th, 1925 - February 26th, 2009
From:	Alton, MO
Visitation:	1pm-2pm, Sunday, March 1, 2009 Clary Funeral Home Alton, MO
Funeral:	Memorial Service 2pm, Sunday, March 1, 2009 Clary Funeral Home Alton, MO
Burial:	n/a
Clayton Pace, Jr., age 84 of Alton, MO, was born January 14, 1925, in Winchester, KY, the son of Clayton Pace and Edna Hignite Pace. He grew up near Orange, IN, and graduated from Orange High School. He was a star player on his high school basketball team, and it was there that his lifelong love of the sport first began. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy for three years of service, making him an honored World War II veteran. During his time of enlistment, he was on the Navy basketball team. After his tour of duty he married Frances Gaylord, and they made their home in Connersville, IN. To this union 2 children were born: John Clayton Pace and Julie Ann Pace. In 1964 he moved his family to Escondido, CA, and he lived there until he moved to Couch, MO, in 1972. While living in Couch he farmed and attended basketball games. He enjoyed watching all the local teams, but he was especially a fan and supporter of Couch Indian high school basketball. In 1997 his health began to fail and he moved to Cleveland, TN, to be near his son and grandchildren. In 2000, he moved with them to Springfield, MO, and 2 years later he moved to Alton, MO, the place he considered to be “home”. His final years were spent at Shepherd’s View, and he was able to live them out among the people he felt a special closeness to. On February 26, 2009, Clayton passed away peacefully in his sleep and went to forever be with the Lord. He is survived by: his son and daughter-in-law, John and Diane Pace of Springfield, MO; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Michael Hoff of La Quinta, CA; 1 brother, William Pace of Columbus, OH; and 8 grandchildren, Evin, Hannah, Molli, Sofie, Jes, and Lily Pace, Shauna Crider, and Emily Hoff. He was preceded in death by: his father and mother; his sister, Betty; and his brother, Lucien. The family would like to give special recognition to Sheila Campbell, Becky Combs, and all of his caregivers at Shepherd’s View. A memorial service will be held at 2pm Sunday, March 1, 2009, at the Clary Funeral Home in Alton, MO, with visitation from 1pm-2pm prior to the service. Arrangements are being made under the direction of the Clary Funeral Home of Alton, MO.
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