Clayton Iott

Clayton Henry Iott, 88, Independence, passed away Friday, July 27, 2012, at Centerpoint Medical Center.. Clayton was born August 20, 1923, in Eskridge, Kansas to Henry & Lucille Iott and later moved to Independence, Missouri where he found the love of his life, Norma Jean Nihill, at a movie theater. Clayton & Jean celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on November 30th 2011. They lived their entire married life in Independence. Clay was a proud naval veteran of World War II, serving in the “splinter fleet” in the South Pacific and Okinawa. He documented his adventures at sea in an amazing journal that has become a cherished heirloom to his children and grandchildren. He worked for Bendix, owned several businesses on the Independence Square with Jean and later retired from the City of Independence. Clay was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved being out in nature with his hunting dogs. He enjoyed traveling, grew more than 40 varieties of roses, tended a large vegetable garden, and enjoyed cheering for the Royals and Chiefs. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, Henry & Lucille Iott and brother, Craig Iott. He is survived by wife Norma Jean; daughter Debbie and husband Doug, of WaKeeney, Kansas; son Daniel of Independence; son David and wife Patti of Warrensburg, Missouri; 4 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Murrel Ryan and Marlene Shove. He will be greatly missed, but his strong Christian faith assures his family that they will all be reunited with him in Heaven. Visitation will be from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Monday evening, July 30, 2012 at Speaks Suburban Chapel 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Mount Washington Cemetery.