Billy Claytor

Billy Joe Claytor, 90, of Kansas City, MO passed away on July 29, 2020. A visitation will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home on Sunday, August 2nd from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Due to Covid19 restrictions, A private family funeral service will be held at Gashland Evangelical Presbyterian Church, followed by the internment at Terrace Park Cemetery.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who lived his life helping others. Bill was a loyal friend, fierce competitor, and fun-loving person. In all that he did, he exemplified hard work and loyalty.

Billy Joe was born on March 13, 1930 to Mary (Burris) Claytor and Manly Claytor in Bethany, Missouri. He was an only child that was loved and cared for on a farm outside of Bethany. When he was in fourth grade the Claytor family moved to Ridgeway, Missouri where they remained until Bill graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1947.

In the fall of 1947, Bill continued his education at the University of Missouri-Columbia and was a member of the football team; however, after one year of studies he left college to head west and work for the pipeline.  In April 1951 Bill joined the Air Force and served in the Korean War. Upon his return, he rejoined the pipeline working for Great Lakes.

In 1954 Bill married Norma Coss and the newlyweds moved to Eldon, Missouri to oversee a salvage store and turkey farm. In 1956, the young couple moved to Kansas City with their first child, and Bill began working for Trans World Airlines.  This was a busy time for Bill and Norma as they added three more children to their family and were very dedicated, active parents. Bill coached baseball, attended all the children’s events, built go-karts and beat his kids in foot races (often running backwards).  Bill and Norma enjoyed playing pitch with friends and annual family vacations hiking, fishing, and “jeeping” in the Colorado Rockies. In the rare instances that Bill had spare time, you could find him tinkering in his workshop or gardening in the backyard.

Bill retired from the Trans World Airlines in 1992 after thirty-six years of service.  After retirement one of Bill’s greatest joys was wintering in Yuma, Arizona with Norma.  They went to Yuma every winter from 1997 until 2020.  The friends, the sunshine, and the adventures made this a truly special place for him.

Bill, age 90, peacefully passed at home with family by his side on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years, Norma (Coss) Claytor; four children: Rick Claytor (Debbie), Ron Claytor (Cindy), Becky Simons, Rhonda  Claytor(Kaaren); 13 grandchildren (Amber, Ross, Cassie, Brooke, Hannah, Danna, Drew, Abigail, Shane, Chase, James, Shea and Opal) and 19 great grandchildren.

Bill was charming and loved by all who knew in him. In lieu of flowers, please make donation to the Gashland Evangelical Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice.