Clayton Eugene Brown, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 88.

Born on March 5, 1937, in Cherokee County, Kansas, to Bert and Florence Brown, Clay grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. He dedicated his working years to construction and truck driving, earning the respect of all who worked alongside him.

Clay was a man of many passions. He found solace and excitement in the outdoors, especially while fishing and hunting. He enjoyed bowling and took pride in tending to his garden, cultivating both beauty and nourishment with care. A lifelong fan of country music, Clay often had a tune playing wherever he went.

He was an athlete and a coach—playing both slow and fast pitch softball and enthusiastically coaching his children’s Little League baseball teams. His commitment to his family and community was evident in everything he did.

Above all, Clay will be remembered as a great man—kind, steady, and genuine. His legacy lives on in the values he passed to his children and grandchildren, and in the countless lives he touched along the way.

Clay is survived by his three sons, Mike, Jeff, and Steve Brown, his step-daughter Ronda Pitchford, grandson Shawn Brown, and great-grandchildren Gracie Brown Charles, Jasmine, Brennen and Logan.

Clay is preceded in death by both his parents, his wife Betty, grandson Jacob and his brother Bill Brown.