Douglas E. Clayton went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 20, 2014. Doug's death was sudden and not expected, but we knew his body was tired and he longed to be with the love of his life again. They are now together in heaven. Doug's life was a beacon of the light of Christ. Everyone who knew him would say the same thing, "He always had a smile on his face!" Even in the past eight years of constant pain and trouble walking, he never grew weary of helping people or making people smile.
Doug was born Aug. 26, 1953, at Kendrick, to Barbara and David Clayton. He was raised in Kendrick, graduated from Kendrick High school in 1971 and received his degree from Idaho State University in 1976. He obtained his pharmacist's license, and that has been one of his passions ever since.
On Oct. 13, 1984, he married the love of his life and best friend, Christine Rudolph, and he legally adopted her 3-year-old daughter, Heather. He loved Heather like his own, and cared for her and Christine with a passion like no other. He always said "I have to take care of my girls!"
In 1986, Doug became the co-owner of Don Wilson Drug in Idaho Falls, and practiced pharmacy there until 1992, when he returned to his hometown of Kendrick and took over the family business from Doug's father. Doug operated and was the only pharmacist at the Red Cross Pharmacy in Kendrick until the day before his death. He treated everyone who walked through the doors of that place like gold, and always made it a priority to make sure no one had to wait very long or come back for their prescriptions. His customers were his friends, and he was thankful for their business.
Besides his family and his work, Doug was passionate about so many things; the top two include his relationship with Jesus and his right to bear arms.
Doug is survived by his mother and stepfather, Jim and Barbara Cuddy; his brothers, Stan Clayton and Ray Clayton; his daughter and stepson, Heather and Rick Lawless; and his grandchildren, Mary Breitbach, Kendra, Megan and Colton Lawless.
Doug was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Clayton; and his father, Dave Clayton.
Viewing will be from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home in Lewiston. A celebration of Doug's life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at New Bridges Community Church, 2101 Eighth St., Lewiston. A reception for family and friends will be held immediately afterward at the church.
