Jeffrey Clayton

Crystal Lake, Illinois,Jeffrey L. Clayton Jeffrey L. Clayton, 57, of Crystal Lake passed away suddenly, Sunday, April 10 2011, at his home. Born on October 30 1953 in Rockford, he was the son of the late Pauline and the late LaVerne Clayton By the time Jeff was 12 years old, he and his family had traveled and camped in over 40 different states, resulting in his being full of life and adventure at an early age. Jeff ran track and hurdles in high school and continued to coach track at the middle schools he worked at. He attended Rock Valley community college for two years before obtaining bachelor?s and master?s degrees in education at Northern Illinois University. Jeff worked within school District 47 for 35 years, beginning as a talented art teacher at North Middle School, now Bernotas Middle School, before becoming an administrator. After serving as an assistant principal at Bernotas, Hannah Beardsley, and Lundal, he returned to what he really loved, teaching art. Jeff retired this past summer and enjoyed sleeping in during the week days. A practitioner of Aikido (a form of martial arts) for over 20 years, Jeff was a fourth degree black belt and respected as Sensi by all of his students. Jeff performed at the Woodstock Opera House in many shows and musicals; he quickly grabbed the microphone anytime karaoke was offered. Jeff loved riding his motorcycles, driving his corvette, grabbing pizza with friends, and spending time with his daughters and family. He is survived by his daughters, Amanda and Sarah Clayton of Crystal Lake, his ex-wife, Cindy Clayton of Crystal Lake, and brother Brian (Char) Clayton. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be from 3pm until the service at 7pm, Thursday, April 14 at Davenport Funeral Home, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (IL Rt. 176), Crystal Lake. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeff?s name may be made to the Raue Center for Performing Arts, 108 Minnie St, Crystal Lake IL 60014-4332.

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