Charles Clayton M.D.

Charles "Russ" Clayton M.D., age 63, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Friday, January 26, 2018, after a courageous two year battle with Melanoma. He fought a good fight, refusing to give up. He was born on March 2, 1954, in Freeport, TX, to the late Howard and Elizabeth (Matthews) Clayton. On January 4, 1975, he married his college sweetheart, Carol Kunz, and the two have been married for the past 43 years. He often joked that he spent 30 years going to school, but that wasn't too far from the truth. He graduated from Angleton High School, Class of 1972, as Highest Ranking Boy. He then earned a BBA from Texas A&M (where he prided himself with being a 2% Aggie). He later received an MBA from The University of Chicago. After 30 years in the oil and gas industry as an accomplished executive, he decided to "retire" at age 52 and pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a physician. He spent the next decade taking pre-med classes, becoming a Paramedic, and eventually earning a medical degree from St Eustatius School of Medicine, which led him to Wausau, where he ended his career as an M.D. in the Medical Residency program at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol; his daughter, Amy (Steve) Steinbach, and son, Chris (Jodi) Clayton; his granddaughters: Taylor, Charley and Payton Steinbach, and Abbie Clayton and upcoming arrival; sister: Jane (Clarence) Griggs; brother: Glenn (Martha) Clayton; sister-in-law: Becky (Randy) Meeks; brother-in-law: Bobby (Margaret) Kunz; numerous nieces and nephews, and his adored St. Bernard, Daisy Mae. Russ was preceded in death by his parents: Elizabeth and Howard; in-laws: Jack and Kathryn Kunz; niece: Hollye Meeks; and best friends: Herman Johnson and Darwin Klein. Russ was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. Through his unbelievable strength, positivity, and humor, he taught everyone around him to make the best of their own situation and find a silver lining even when it seems that one doesn't exist. He will forever be missed by his family, friends, and those whose lives he touched. While his life may have ended too soon, his inspiration and legacy will live on for years to come. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at 12:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer East Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street in Wausau with Darlene Antoniewicz presiding. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Everyone is invited to come share their memories of Russ at a reception immediately following the service in the Medallion Room at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, 333 Pine Ridge Blvd. A Celebration of Life party will be held in Texas in Russ' honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Melanoma Research or Shriners Hospital for Children in Russ' name or just do something that will make someone else's day. The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Aspirus Wausau family. Russ truly felt at home here and loved you all deeply. A special thank you to Dr. Tom Strick, Dr. Chris Peterson, and all of the wonderful staff, colleagues and friends that have loved and taken care of Russ during his journey. "And in the end, it's not the years in the life, it's the life in the years." ~Abraham Lincoln