Walter “Butch” Benton Clayton, Jr., 83, of Olathe, Kansas passed peacefully into God’s arms on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.

Walter was born on October 12, 1942, to Nerva and Walter B. Clayton Sr. in Kirbyville, MO and was one of four children. He met his first wife Ann, at Cox North Hospital in Springfield, MO where they both worked. They married in Dec 1967 and had one son, Ryan, born in December 1968. They lived in Springfield, MO until Ann’s passing in 1999. Walter later moved to Olathe, KS where he married his second wife, Cheryl, in October 2003 and they lived in Olathe until his passing.

Walter was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and his love for wearing his hair long. He enjoyed loud, fast muscle cars; NASCAR, with his favorite driver being #3 Dale Earnhardt; and polishing his cars every week during the summer months. His favorite time of year was winter because he loved doing donuts in the snow. He loved all things sweet, but especially loved hard candy, fudge, and root beer. He loved going treasure hunting for items that were thrown to the curb for trash and considered them fine collectables. He loved country music artist Ray Stevens, and he loved gospel music with Alan Jackson’s I’ll Fly Away and Washed by the Blood as two of his favorite songs. He attended church regularly and John 3:16 was one of his favorite verses.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann Clayton, and his brother-in-law, Ray Groves.

Walter is survived by his wife of 22 years, Cheryl Clayton; his son, Ryan Clayton of Springfield, MO; his step-children/niece/nephew: Rhonda (Rick) Truitt of Olathe, KS , Jeff (Daneen) Buckner of Olathe, KS, Alvie Williams of Covington, LA, Lisa (Bryan) Rakestaw of Lexington, MO, Ken Buckner of Independence, MO; his sister, Jerri Groves of Kirbyville, MO and her three children Don, Carl and Melissa; his sister, Carol (Gene) Gilmore of Ashgrove, MO and her son Darren; his brother, Kevin (Crystal) Clayton of Forsyth, MO and his daughter Crystal; along with 9 step-grandchildren and 14 step-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services and internment will be held Monday, June 8th at 1:00 pm at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, 5234 State Hwy EE, Springfield, MO 65802.