Clayton Joe Wheeler, age 72, of Clinton, Missouri passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the V.A. Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri with his family by his side. A graveside service will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Vansant Road Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Clayton Wheeler Memorial Fund or the Clinton VFW Post #1894 and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Clayton was the youngest boy born October 29, 1942 in Webb City, Missouri to William and Oma Wheeler. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era. Clayton was united in marriage to Cheryl Ann Denison on October 17, 1964 in Great Bend, Kansas and to this union seven children were born.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Mary, Aileen, Arlene, Billy and Jimmy.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, of the home. Seven children: Jeffery (Lori) of Sedalia, Shawn (Stacy) of Green Ridge, Dana (Robert) Heistand of Clinton, William (Amanda) of Alba, Jeanne (Raymond) of Appleton City, Hervina Wheeler of Clinton, and Pamela (Christopher) Anderson of Humansville. One sister, Betty Cook, of Joplin. Clayton is also survived by twenty grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, other family and a host of friends.

Clayton's favorite recreation was hunting and fishing. He always looked forward to deer season and thoroughly enjoyed trout fishing at Bennett Springs. He loved dabbling in gardening and sitting on his front porch watching people go by. He enjoyed going to Wal-Mart several times a day and Bookers Auctions on Fridays to visit and talk with friends. Clayton was a life-long Denver Broncos fan, win or lose, he would always cheer proudly for his team. Those who knew Clayton will remember him as an outspoken, loud man who was a talker. He was a friend to almost anyone he met and will be missed by his family and those who knew him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.