Mr. Clayton was a co-owner and operator of Flowers by Artiste De Fleur Inc. in Belleville, IL. He was a past-president of the Fairview Heights Optimist Club and a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL. Dennis was an avid gardener who took pride in his home and yard and was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James R. and Ruth V., nee Dawson, Clayton; one brother, Terry Clayton; and one daughter, Ruth Ullman-Frazier.
Surviving are his wife of 22 years, Cheryl A., nee Calendine, Clayton, whom he married on May 23, 1993, at Lake Tahoe, NV;
four children, Michael (Deborah) Ullman of Overland, MO,
Angela (Christopher) Kreher of Belleville, IL,
Eric (Jennifer) Clayton of Edwardsville, IL,
and Anne-Marie (Joshua) Craig of Thetford, UK;
six grandchildren, Dylan Ullman,
Kayleigh Kreher,
Cole Kreher,
Maximus Clayton,
Kathryn Clayton,
and Jessica Kallmbah-Ullman;
his beloved dog, Elle-Mae;
and many close friends.
Memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society or to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 14, 2016, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Brian Downs officiating. Burial will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.
Condolences Left For Dennis Clayton
Cheryl- I am so sorry about Dennis. He was a great man. Much love to you and the family during this sad time.
Andrea Maulhardt, St. Louis, MO, 63123
Dennis was a great man he will be missed by all of us. Sorry for loss aunt Cheryl we love you.
Joe, Galloway , Ohio, 43119
We are so sorry to hear about your loss… this world also lost one of the most Beautiful, and Kind ‘flower’ on Earthly Garden. We miss you, Denny.
Francis and Denise and Aunt Helen, Alton, Illinois, 62002
Dennis was, indeed, a sweet person, and someone I enjoyed seeing and talking to when I visited the flower shop. We shared a special bond in that we have the same birthday, and we often mentioned this little fact. I am going to miss his great smile. I offer the sympathy of our entire Vartanian Family to all of the Clayton Family.
, Belleville, IlL, 62223
I’m sorry to hear about Dennis’ passing. He was always of great assistance along with his co-workers Jolene and Nancy when I visited the florist. His kindness was much appreciated. Jim Walker and John Gehlhausen
Jim Walker, Belleville, IL, 62226
‘Denny’ was my next door neighbor through grade school. He would come over and ‘play dolls’ with me on the condition that I don’t tell the neighbor boys. Such a gentle man and gentleman. So sorry for your loss.
Lynn Vostry Cereghino, Belleville, IL, 62221
DENNIS WAS A GREAT PERSON AND WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED. I WORKED WITH HIM AT KRUPP AND ARTISTE AND LEARNED ALOT FROM HIM. HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE.
LUCI CALVERT, BELLEVILLE, IL, 62226
So sorry to hear about Dennis. I don’t remember how many years I worked with Dennis, at Krupps Florist. I don’t remember how many years but it was a long time. He taught me a lot about the flower business. He was always a kind and caring person. My deepest sympathy to Cherly, and his children
Shirley Holdener, Keyesport, Illinois, 62253
Cheryl and family–I am so sorry to hear that my long time friend Dennis has passed away. Dennis was a wonderful human being and will be greatly missed by so many! My prayers are with all of you during this time that you may find solace and peace in knowing that Dennis is no longer suffering.
Carl (Butch) Gregorich, Lisle, IL, 60532
Condolences to Dennis’ family; we have known Dennis for many years and always enjoyed catching up. He loved his family and always talked about them over any other conversation. He was always so gracious and charming in his own manner. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dan and Jeanine Muskopf, Gilbert, AZ, 85295
I worked with Dennis back in the Krupp days, 30 something years ago. I remember Dennis as being kind, fun, and a gentle man. One of the humorous things I remember about Dennis is that he considered ketchup as a vegetable. Burgers and fries for him. Many prayers to you all.
Laurie Henslee, Catawissa, Missouri, 63015