William Clayton

William J. Clayton - 10/24/2002 William J. Clayton - 10/24/2002 WILLIAM J. CLAYTON LOS ANGELES, CA -- William Jensen “Bill” Clayton, 78, of Los Angeles, California, died October 11, 2002, in Los Angeles after a fall. He was born on June 7, 1924, to Irving Emerson Clayton and Ethel Jensen Clayton in Idaho Falls. He attended school and enjoyed an idyllic childhood here with frequent stays on his grandfather's farm in Goshen in his early years and later on the family ranch in the Pahsimeroi area near Salmon. He completed his senior year at Hollywood High, where he graduated in 1942. During World War II he served his country with the Seabees in the South Pacific. After his return from the war he graduated from California State University at Long Beach as an accounting major. He worked at MGM, where, among other positions, he was the secretary for Red Skelton's comedy writing staff, a good fit for Bill's sense of humor. He later joined Atlantic Richfield, where he worked his way up to a senior accounting position before requesting a transfer to the janitorial staff so he could attend law school during the day. He graduated from the University of Southern California Law School in 1961. During a distinguished legal career he was associated with the prestigious Roland Rich Woolley, Bill's early mentor, a dear childhood friend of Bill's father, and his daughter, Mary Alice Woolley, who has remained a very close friend. He was also associated with Stapleton & Isen of Beverly Hills and other law firms before joining the State of California Department of Corporations. He later served as staff counsel for the Department of Savings and Loan until his retirement in 1986. He continued as a special counsel to the Department and maintained a practice in Estate Planning, Trusts and Wills. Bill's interest in many causes kept him active in organizations in California, including the Rotary Club of Torrance. Bill also loved music and was an accomplished pianist, having studied at the Julliard School of Music and with several world-famous instructors. His surviving sister, Mary Musgrave, and brothers, Joseph and Richard Clayton, treasure the 78 years they were fortunate enough to have had him as a brother. Graveside Services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, October 28, 2002, at Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. If you would like to offer your condolences fill in the form below. Name E-Mail Message [ Previous Obituary - Wanda M. Clark | Current Obituary | Next Obituary - Rulon McCarrey ]