Clayton Smith, 95, of Gillett, passed away Monday, June 15, 2026, after a short illness at St. Vincent’s Hospital.
He was born Feb. 11, 1931, in the Town of How, the son of Gwynne and Alice (Meles) Smith. Clayton was inducted into the U.S. Army on Oct. 23, 1951, and was discharged Oct. 8, 1953. He was sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he spent his basic training with the D32 3rd Armored Division. In April 1952, he was shipped overseas with Company F 3rd Battalion 351 Infantry Division TRUST, where he played baseball throughout the Mediterranean area until he was based permanently in Trieste, Italy, until his discharge.
On Aug. 30, 1958, Clayton married Barbara Meyer in Sibley, Illinois. After returning from the Army, Clayton worked at Linwood Inc., the family business, and worked with his father running the Smith Bus Lines, contracted by the Gillett School District. He later owned the bus company from 1976-81.
For some years, Clayton leased buses to various individuals until 1993 when the last bus was sold and he retired. He continued to work as an ambulance driver on call for the Gillett Joint Ambulance and also worked two days a week at the Recycling Center in Gillett until retiring permanently.
Clayton is survived by his two sons, Kevin Smith and Darrell Smith; two grandsons, Andrew Smith and Alex Smith; sister, Nancy Smith; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara; and two sisters, Jean Gandt and Gail MacSwain.
A memorial service will be held for Clayton in the future. He will be interred beside his wife, Barb, at Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery in Gillett.
Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.
