Gearld "Dean" Clayton

Dean Clayton, 79,

of Fayetteville, died Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at his home. He was born August 13, 1931, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, the son of Marvin and Ethel Frye Clayton.

He graduated from Westville High School in Westville, Oklahoma. He received his Bachelors Degree from Northeastern State University before continuing to Oklahoma State University to complete his Masters and Doctorate Degree. He was a retired professor emeritus from the University of Arkansas. At retirement, he was Department Chair of Vocational Education. During his career he was given many awards and honors including State and National Business Teacher of the Year. He was very active in state and national professional vocational organizations serving in roles of leadership including, State President of the Arkansas Vocational Education Association. He was a published author with many of the textbooks he wrote still being used in classrooms today.

Dean’s greatest joy was the time he spent in the church with the children. He taught Sunday School and Awana’s for many years. Having a great impact on the children he touched. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Farmington. He served many years as Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia, his high school sweetheart, whom he was married to for 55 years. Daughter Becky Ober, and her daughters, Megan and Melanie. Daughter Sherrie and her husband Britt James and their children, Chris, Matt and Lauren. And a host of friends and loved ones.