Dale Clayton

Dale Arland Clayton, 89, of Idaho Falls, passed away January 26, 2024, at his home at MorningStar Senior Living.

Dale was born February 15, 1934, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Wilford H. and Harriet Anna Hill Clayton. He grew up in Ucon, Idaho, where he attended grade school and Ucon High School through the 11th grade. He was a member of the first graduating class of the newly organized Bonneville High School, graduating in May of 1952. He also attended Ricks College.

It was at Bonneville that he met Beverly Winther. They dated through her senior year. He married his high school sweetheart on November 4, 1953, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in November 2023.

Dale was involved in the family trucking business, and at the age of 14, he was driving truck into Utah. He started driving bus at the INL site in 1956 where he drove for 39 years. Following his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed spending two winters in St. George, Utah, in their RV. They also enjoyed going on cruises and other adventures together.

Together, they filled two missions. One at the Idaho Falls Temple Visitors Center and two years at the Mormon Hand Cart Historic Sites in Wyoming. They served for many years as ordinance workers in the Idaho Falls Temple as well. Dale was a devoted member of his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he held many positions.

Dale was an avid snowmobiler, a sport he enjoyed for many years with his sons and brothers. They were also great hunting companions. He loved spending summers at the family ranch, family camping at Granite Springs, and Redfish Lake.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Michael (Debbie) Clayton of Goshen, ID and Ryan (Nicole) Clayton of Torrington, WY; three daughters, Tammy (Lonney) Nate of Idaho Falls, ID, Linette (Ricky) Rodgers of Chatsworth, GA, and Sharee (Randy) Poole of Idaho Falls, ID; two brothers, Dennis (Sharron) Clayton of Idaho Falls, ID and Larry (Bonnie, deceased) Clayton of Coltman, ID; two sisters, Betty Tracy of Seattle, WA and Deanna (Brad) Frank of Tremonton, UT; 19 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Ricky; his parents; two sisters, Harriet and Arleen; as well as two brothers, Kenneth and Harlan.

The family would like to thank the staff at MorningStar Memory Care, Brio Hospice, and Nuclear Care Partners Home Health for the loving care given to Dale.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6-7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services, both visitations at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Ucon Cemetery.

Services will be broadcast live on this page.