Obituary of Clayton Phythian

Clayton Phythian Dealing with Alzheimer's for 6 years, Clayton died November 10 2016 at age 86. He was born in Dumas TX on January 2 1930 to John and Dorothy Phythian. He moved to Colorado in 1933, where he grew up. He met his wife Alice in 1950 and they spent 65 years together. During his military service, Clay went through three atomic test blasts in 1952 and 1953. The military had Clay and his family stationed at Fort Flagler when he was discharged. He liked the Sequim area and stayed, learning to drill water wells, and continued to diesel mechanic while raising six children. In 1968 Clay was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and began serving as an Elder in 1971. Wanting to help where the need was great spiritually, they decided in 1972 to move the family to Big Fork MT. except Clayetta and Bud, who moved out on their own. In 1975 he moved to Chinook MT. while Almae stayed in Big Fork. Clay fell in love with farm life and was proud to talk and relive his time there. In 1978 he moved the family to Cashmere WA. where he was back to drilling. Here he taught Brett how to drill and Brett stayed. In 1982 Clay missed farm life and moved back to Chinook MT. In 1986 he moved the family to Kalispell MT. where he was back to drilling. Then in 1990 he moved Alice and Roger to Shelton WA. while John stayed in Kalispell. Here dad was drilling and taught Roger and Bud how to drill. Clay retired in 1995 from Arcadia Drilling. He got bored and started Clay's Stump Grinding and ground stumps until he fell and broke his pelvis in 2012. Clay was preceded in death by his son Clayton (Bud) Phythian and his wife Alice Phythian. Surviving children are, his daughter Clayetta Phythian of Shelton, daughter Almae Bennett of Kalispell MT., son Brett Phythian of Cashmere WA., son John Phythian of Wenatchee WA., and son Roger Phythian of Shelton WA., along with 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Clayton was a very helpful and liked person to anyone he came in contact with. He will be missed by all, and we look forward to seeing his smile and youthful vigor. His memorial service will be held December 4 2016 at 2 o'clock at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 11 Sentry Ct. Shelton WA 98584.