OBITUARY Charles Keith Claytor August 13, 1954 – December 4, 2018 In loving memory of our Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather, and Kuwait War Veteran, Charles Keith Claytor, resided in Granite Falls, WA, passed away from cancer at age 64 on Tuesday, Dec 4, 2018. He leaves behind his wife Jutta Claytor, daughters, Danella Claytor, Stephanie Claytor, Cheryl Claytor, and Allison Claytor. Grandchildren, Paige Warrick, and Andrew Dyen.
His mother Jeanette Hammons, Father, Chas Hines, Brother Edward Claytor, Sisters Cynthia Lynn Claytor, Patricia Fitzpatrick. He left us too soon, and we miss him. We Thank him for his 20 years of Army service, that included standing the watch in Kuwait.
BLACK HORSE forever. Viewing Service to be held on Monday Dec 10, at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home 11-4 Funeral Service to be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on Dec 11, 2018 at 11:30. Please make donations in leu of flowers to Wounded Warriors.
Jutta, his wife states “I lucked out: he was the greatest husband of all time. He always put everyone else above himself. He worked another job at night while in the Army to ensure all the family needs were met.
Jeanette, his mother states “He was the greatest son ever. He always made sure his siblings were taken care of. I am so very proud of him.
His daughters state, He was the greatest father a girl could have. He always made sure we were provided for and we loved fishing and going to soccer games with him. We miss him dearly.
Charles grew up in Texas and loved the Dallas Cowboys. He enlisted into the US Army in 1974 and served for 20 years. He served in Operation Desert Shield and helped liberate Kuwait.
He stood the watch in the Fulda Gap on the Border between the Free and Communist Worlds, in the sector entrusted to his Third Reconnaissance Squadron of the 11th “Blackhorse” Armored Cavalry Regiment, and ensured Peace in Europe. During his Army career he was awarded many distinguished awards, Army Achievement Award, 3 times, Army Commendation Award, Kuwait Liberation Medal, NCO Professional Development Award. While serving in the Army he somehow found time to complete his Masters Degree in Business Administration.
He also served as a First Sergeant of a 113 man tactically deployable light cavalry troop consisting of two scout platoons, two anti-tank platoons, a two gun mortar section, where he was responsible for all aspects of morale, health and welfare, personnel administration, and logistics for the troop. He acted as the senior enlisted trainer in the troop where he molded his soldiers into outstanding solders and citizens. He loved blowing stuff up and shooting big guns.
After retiring from the Army Charles worked for the US Coast Guard as a civilian in the District 13 Auxiliary Office where he assisted hundreds of members conduct Auxiliary operations and protect Washington’s coast lines and boaters. One of his many awards from the Coast Guard state “Charles showed dedication, pride, and professionalism that upheld the highest traditions of the service. Even at the end of his life, he ensured his family was taken care of.
He was a role model and a great person and is dearly missed, and never be forgotten. Charles was a huge history buff and would have liked this below quote. George S. Patton, American soldier “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died.
Rather we should thank God that such men lived”.
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