1940 - 2021
United States Army Visitation
April 22, 20213-7 P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home 106 Middlesex St., No. Chelmsford, MA.
Funeral
April 23, 202110:00 A.M.
Chelmsford Bible Church, 128 Gorham St., Chelmsford, MA.
LOWELL—Reverend Horace A. Clayton, age 80, of Chelmsford, passed away on Friday April 16, 2021 at Lowell General Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Ann C. (Larsen) Clayton, with whom he would have shared 59 years of marriage this June.
Born in Lowell, MA on July 13, 1940, he was a son of the late Thomas and Mary (Kinney) Clayton. Horace graduated from Lowell Trade School with the class of 1957. Following his graduation Horace proudly served in the United States Army.
Following his education and military service, Horace went on to work for the United States Postal Service, where he retired in 1997. He then went on to attend Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary to complete his religious studies and become an ordained Minister. He spent many years serving his faith and his community as a Primitive Methodist Minister in New Bedford, Methuen and retired in 2005 from Matthews Memorial Primitive Methodist Church.
In his free time, Horace enjoyed fishing and golfing. He also enjoyed traveling with friends and spending time with his beloved family.
Along with his loving wife, Horace is survived by his son, Thomas Clayton of Chelmsford; his two daughters, Catherine Tammany and her husband Christopher of Sandown, NH, and Karen Desjardins of Milford, NH; his five grandchildren, Eric Froton, Garrett Froton and his wife Meghan, Alaina Froton, Marc Clayton, and Autumn Desjardins; his siblings, Philip Clayton and his wife Cynthia of Rockland, ME, Joanna Clayton of Wilmington; his brother-in-law, Alfred Larsen and his wife Sandra of Litchfield, NH, as well as many other dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Horace was the brother of the late Thomas Clayton, Ethel Kennedy, and Mary Lou Clayton.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visitation on Thursday April 22, 2021 from 3 to 7 PM at the Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St., Chelmsford MA. His funeral service will be Friday, April 23, 2021, at 10:00 AM at the Chelmsford Bible Church (f.k.a. Matthews Memorial Church) 128 Gorham St, Chelmsford, MA 01824. Please meet at the Church. Burial will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Horace A. Clayton to the memorial fund at Lawrence Street Church, 1199 Lawrence St, Lowell, MA 01852. Online guestbook is available at www.dolanfuneralhome.com.
Peg Blanchet
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Dear Ann, I was so sorry to hear of Horace’s passing, and I was deeply saddened. But, then, I started thinking of his infectious laughter and how it would fill the room. It always made me smile to hear it. I can only imagine how much more joyous that laugh must be, as it resonates through Heaven itself. Horace was a wonderful man with a kind, welcoming manner. I will miss him greatly, and am thankful for having known him for these many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Love, Peg
Susan Kiberd
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Ann, so sorry to hear of Horace passing, my prayers are with you in this difficult time. We always enjoyed spending time with both of you and have many fond memories. The Lord has surely welcomed home one of his angels.
David & Mary Dobson
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Our loss but certainly heaven’s gain. We have such fond memories of Horace – his smile, his laughter, his willingness to lend a hand no matter what the circumstances. We share in your sorrow yet rejoice knowing that he’s with Jesus.
Robin Young
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Ann & Family, My heart is broken to learn of the passing Horace, he was one of the most kind and caring person, who was part of my life as my pastor and friend to myself and family for many years. He was always there in times of crisis. He was such a comfort for me when my mother was going thru her own illness and passing. He will be sadly missed and always remembered for his wonderful smile and sense of humor. My sincere sympathy to the entire Clayton Family. Love to all, Robin
Brenda Kinney Leclair
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Rest In Peace with the Angels now dear cousin. My deepest sympathy to the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barry Wile St Williams Mens Club
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Our sincere condolences on your loss
May God Bless you
Guild Family
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Dear Ann, Cathy, Karen and Tommy,
With our deepest condolences. So sad to hear of Horace’s passing. You will be in our thoughts.
Heather (Goodrich) Brouder
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Ann and family, you were all such a big part of my childhood at Matthew’s Memorial. As an adult, it brought me such joy every time I saw you and Rev. Clayton. He always had such a big smile and radiated joy. I am so sorry for your loss, I will keep the family in my prayers. With my deepest sympathy, Heather (Goodrich) Brouder
Kathryn Graham
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Ann , Jim and I so sorry to hear of the passing of Horace. Such a great man! May all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Sincerely Kathy and Jim Graham
Anna and Richard Pratt
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Horace’s wonderful smile and laugh will always be our first memory whenever we think of him.
Ann and family, we will keep you in our prayers as you navigate this difficult time.
Gail Ann Young
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We loss a wonderful man on earth, but heaven gain a sweet friend, bless you all at this time