Cecil Clarence Clayton Jr.

Affectionately known as "Pops," PaPa, G-Pa, Mr. C, or "Skeeball," Cecil Clarence Clayton, Jr. was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 94. Born on December 30, 1929, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Cecil Clarence Clayton Sr. and Georgia Emma Clayton, Cecil was a man of deep faith and unwavering kindness.

Cecil graduated from Bartlett High School in St. Joseph, MO where he excelled in football and basketball. He continued his education in Auto Mechanics and Radio-TV Electronics at a trade school. In 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Delores JoAnn Mabin, and they enjoyed a loving marriage until her passing in 2009. Together, they raised three children: Deborah, Cecil III, and Winfred. Cecil proudly served as the Boy Scout troop leader for his sons, both of whom achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

A proud veteran, Cecil served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His career at Bendix (now Honeywell), starting in 1957, spanned several decades, culminating in a supervisory role before his retirement. After retiring in 1984, Cecil dedicated his time to his family, church, traveling, and attending his grandchildren's events.

Cecil was a devoted member of Harvest Church for over 30 years and previously served at St. James United Methodist Church for more than 20 years. Known for his compassion, he spent countless hours visiting the sick and comforting those in need. His inventive spirit and love for fishing, which he referred to as "fellowshipping," were well-known among his friends and family.

From his marriage to Delores, he leaves behind one daughter, Deborah (Glenn) Walker of Pensacola, FL; two sons, Cecil (Nelly) Clayton III of Plano, TX, and Winfred (Cheryl) Clayton of Kansas City, MO; four granddaughters: La'Nae (Paul) of Aldie, VA; La'Nesha (Raphel) Frazier of Kansas City, MO; LeVrrla Clayton of Overland Park, KS; and Veronica Clayton of Plano, TX; three grandsons: DaJuan Clayton of Houston, TX; Cecil Clayton IV of Dallas, TX; and Rodney Block (LaTonya) of Kansas City, MO; four great-granddaughters: Ivana Robinson, Alyssa Robinson, Kennedi Frazier, and Raina Clayton; two great-grandsons: Christian Jarrett and Paul Robinson, II; sister-in-law, Senora (Leonard) Kelly; niece Carla (Claude) Peterson; and nephews Michael (Gladys), Marian, Marcus, and Jason (Kelli) Cruse; nieces Rela, Roxanna and Roslaind (deceased).

 In 2011, Cecil found love again with Willa Echols, with whom he shared thirteen joyful years.

He leaves his wife, Willa Clayton of Kansas City, MO, to cherish his memories, along with his stepchildren: son Wayne Echols, daughter Sherry Sanabria (Justo), son Charles Echols, and deceased daughter Kimberly Mahoney; grandchildren: Jordan Mahoney, Erin Mahoney, Jason Sanabria (Brianna), Charles Porter, Major Echols, and Austin Sanabria; great-grandchildren: Charles, Jilliana, Marlee, Cherish, Charleston, and Willa.

Cecil is survived by a large, loving family, fishing buddies, as well as many relatives and friends who cherish him deeply.

His legacy of faith, love, and kindness will forever be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

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