Michael Thomas Clayton
1951-2020
Michael Thomas Clayton was born on November 22 nd , 1951 to Betty and Roy Clayton in Beaumont, Texas. He passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at the age of 69.
Michael (A.K.A. Mike / "Mikey") is survived by his wife Beverly Clayton, his step-son Joshua Ford, his two children Matthew Clayton and Aimee Rowland, his son-in-law Jason Rowland, his two grandchildren Wyatt and Waylon Rowland, and his sister Deborah Burger.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Roy Clayton.
Mike attended Oklahoma State University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Agriculture and Applied Science. Shortly after, he began a career working in the oil and gas industry, which started out at Halliburton. He spent the majority of his career in sales working for Balon Valves.
During his life, he was not only a man who worked hard to provide for his family but also an AMAZING golfer and cook! He hosted several company cookouts each year and always loved cooking steaks at home for his family.
Mike played golf for Oklahoma State University Cowboys. He was an NCAA champion at the Wheatshocker Invitational in Wichita, Kansas in 1975; His team later went on that year and won runner up in the NCAA National Championship. Then in 1976, his team won the National Championship. Mike's name is also mentioned multiple times in the Oklahoma State Cowboy Golf magazine (57 th year anniversary edition).
His passion for golf continued throughout his whole life. He used his talent to win several golf tournaments, as well as to coach others that were interested in the sport.
Mike loved football too, especially OSU football. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son and had a love for nature and animals, especially his pets. He took lots of pictures of sunsets, birds, and other critters that he enjoyed sharing through text messages with his family.
Most importantly, Mike was a loving father and believer in Jesus Christ. He valued the importance of a good handshake, looking people in the eyes when you first meet them, and remembering their names.
His family will miss the man they called Dad, Papa, and "Big ole Bear!"