Louis Homer Clayton was born in Guthrie County, IA on Aug. 11, 1938, to Gilbert and Louise (Shelley). Louie attended school in Stuart, IA graduating from Stuart High School. He passed away on Sept. 18, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 86 years. A visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. at Oak Shores, 4502 230th Street, Wallingford, IA 51365, with a memorial service to follow at 4 p.m. Memorials are preferred to Hunting with Hero’s or The WyLDLIFE FUND.
Louis married Helen (Steves) on Feb. 3, 1962, in Menomonie, WI. To this union four children were born: Scott (Laura) Clayton, Terril, IA, Heidi Metz of Marshfield, WI, Tanya (Al) Delong, Elmwood, WI and Josh (Amy) Clayton of Elmwood, WI.
Louie worked for Alex’s Pizza in Menomonie, WI later helping his boss establish a pizza restaurant in Oskaloosa, IA. He then moved to Marshfield, WI and opened a Watkins home product business. Louie then made his way to Elmwood, WI and opened Eau Galle Watkins Feed Mill, grinding feed for the area farmers. In 1976 Louie began his trucking career. His first adventure was for Marten Transport in Wisconsin and in 1980 he began driving for Holiday Express Corp. in Estherville. Louie finished his truck driving career with Sather Candy Company out of Round Lake, MN.
On July 26,1985 Louie married Phoebe (Linder) Phillips in Superior, IA. With this marriage he was gifted three stepsons: Bradley Phillips of Estherville, IA, Steven (Kim) Phillips of Estherville, IA and Douglas (Holly) Phillips of Piedmont, SD.
Louie was blessed with 10 grandchildren who are serving as Honorary Pallbearers. Louis also had the privilege of being Great Grandpa to 11 great grandchildren.
In his spare time Louie was an avid deer and elk hunter. Big, beautiful Wyoming was his favorite hunting area which he shared with many of his Wisconsin friends and his sons and stepsons. Louie loved time with his grandchildren which he introduced (at a very young age) to their first peppermint stick and a spoonful of honey. One could find Louie enjoying a good old conversation, talking about hunting, drinking martinis, telling his jokes or watching the Green Bay Packers or Iowa Hawkeyes.
Louie is survived by his wife, his children, grandchildren and four sisters: JoAnn Neef, Linda Jaquinta, Cheryl Wright and Susie Ledbetter. Louie is preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Michael Metz and his two brothers-in-law: William Linder and Rodney Linder.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
