Clayton Strong

Clayton Strong


Dates

August 8, 1945 - January 10, 2023

Obituary

Clayton Strong, 77, of Mitchell, SD, died Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at his home under hospice care. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Monday, January 16, at Harvest Community Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Spencer. Visitation will be Sunday, January 15, from 1-3:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel.

A live stream of the funeral service can be viewed at: 

Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/HCCONAZ

Web Page: https://www.harvestmitchell.org/watchlive

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mitchellharvestcommunitych7782

Clayton Dean Strong was born August 8, 1945 to Otto and Esther (Tillotson) Strong in Mitchell, SD. The family lived in Spencer, the Pierre area, Gann Valley, then back to Spencer and graduated from Spencer High in 1963. He went one year to Wessington Springs Junior College before transferring to Greenville College in Illinois where he graduated then was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam.

Upon his return, he married Barbara McMullen in Greenville on June 13, 1970. They returned to Spencer where he farmed with his father for several years. He obtained a degree in elementary education from DSU and then began his teaching career which included a year and a half in Salem, SD then 30 years in Mitchell. After his retirement, he substitute taught for 10 years.

The couple had two sons: Mark (Amy) and Daniel (Maylyne), 11 grandchildren: Emily (Joe) Carroll, Allie, Nathaniel, Bekah, Makayla, Lillian, Julia, Zachary, Elizabeth, Yosemite, and Gunnison, and 2 great-grandchildren Evan and Elliott.

He was always active in his church, serving as Sunday School teacher, church board member, organist and pianist, and whatever was needed. God was good to him, and he wanted to use his talents to be useful in God’s kingdom. He was involved in the Mitchell Concert Series board serving as chairman one year, and on the Helping Hand Pantry board for several years. He was a kind and gentle man who was an encourager. He loved working in his garden, and he especially loved being around his children and grandchildren.

Clayton is survived by his wife Barb, his sons and their families, siblings Vernon of Newark, IL, Richard of Clarkesville, GA, and Miriam of Clarkesville, GA, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ruth Nebelsick, brother Warren, and sister-in-law Dorothy Strong.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial to Harvest Community Church or the Helping Hand Pantry.

 


Visitation(s)

Date
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Time
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location
Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301

Service

Date
Monday, January 16, 2023
Time
10:30 AM
Location
Harvest Community Church
1017 W Norway Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301

Cemetery

Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Spencer, SD


Posted by Garrett & Mindy Gross on January 16, 2023
Strong Family,

I'm sorry to hear of Clayton's passing, the photo tribute brought back a lot of memories. Thank you for sharing that. Clayton was much appreciated by Geoff and I.
Posted by Betty Steilen Anderson on January 16, 2023
What a great guy he was and a terrific teacher. As a youth I took piano lessons at their church from his brother. He would always take the time and play a duet with me. My sympathies to all.🙏🏼
Posted by Lyla Lawver peterson on January 15, 2023
So sorry about the passing of Dean. We were high school friends at Gann Valley S.D. A wonderful friend .Gods blessings to all of you
Posted by Sue Burris and Arnold Braught on January 15, 2023
Our condolences to entire family...such a mainstay at Helping Hand will be sorely missed
Posted by Deb Neugebauer on January 13, 2023
Clayton will be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit. My sincere sympathy to the family.
Posted by Marlene and Harlan Silbaugh on January 12, 2023
Mr..Strong was our daughter's 4th grade teacher. He was a very kind and caring teacher. Your family was blessed with a wonderful father and husband.
Posted by Cindy Hockett on January 12, 2023
My deepest Sympathy to you Barb and entire family. Clayton was a true man of God, a gentle soul who always let his light shine. Prayers and love as you grieve the earthly loss of Clayton, and a celebration of his entrance to Heaven🙏
Posted by Jim & Tamara Studioso on January 12, 2023
Barb and family we are very sorry to hear of Clayton's passing 😢 we have wonderful memories of Clayton as he was many of our children's 4th grade teacher, as the years passed our friendship grew. May the Lord hold you close 🙏
Posted by Aaron and Bekka Nash on January 12, 2023
Barb, so sorry for your loss. Our prayer to you and your family.
Posted by Chris Krohmer on January 12, 2023
Barb & Clayton lived next door to my parents and will we will always remember their genuine kindness to them. Rest in Peace Clayton.
Posted by Shelly Colwell on January 12, 2023
Mr. Strong was one of my favorite teachers! Years later, he also taught my children. Wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Posted by Marianne Texley on January 11, 2023
I’m so sorry for your loss. Peace to all of you.
Posted by Mark and Retha Engle on January 11, 2023
Barb, we are so sorry for your loss. We loved having you and Clayton in our Bible study - you both have blessed our lives. Clayton will be greatly missed - we will be praying for you and your family.
Posted by Mike and Evalou Ligtenberg on January 11, 2023
Our sympathy to you Barb and family.
Posted by Ed and Lorna Peterson on January 10, 2023
Barb, Mark, Dan and families, you are in our hearts and prayers. Barb,
Our love and prayers go out for you Barb, Mark, Dan and families. Clayton was a wonderful godly man, we are saddened at your loss; but also rejoice knowing he is whole, well and free, with Jesus and loved ones gone ahead.
Posted by Kristy Vobr on January 10, 2023
So sorry for your loss 🙏🙏 my prayers are with his family's 🙏🙏🙏 rest in peace your will be in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏!!!
Posted by Austin vobr on January 10, 2023
Mr Strong was my 4th grade teacher rest in peace u will be missed by many he was a very good person
Posted by Delbert & marie on January 10, 2023
Our love, sympathy n prayers……Clayton was a real blessing & gifted in so many ways. God give you all comfort n peace!
Posted by Sharon Rehorst on January 10, 2023
Sympathy to the family.
Posted by Connie Burnham Whistler on January 10, 2023
So sorry for your loss.
Posted by Doris Meinke on January 10, 2023
Clayton was a good Christian friend.. my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Posted by Cindy Schneider on January 10, 2023
Barb we absolutely loved spending time with you and Clayton in our sweet Bible Study and in your home! He will be missed by so many from his years of teaching and subbing and fathering, grandfathering, and being your faithful husband! We’ll all get to see each other again one day…on THAT GLORIOUS DAY!
Posted by Lasey Baldwin on January 10, 2023
Mr Strong was my 5th grade teacher many moons ago! great guy who made learning fun! Thoughts to his family and friends!
Posted by Wayne and Carol Carstens on January 10, 2023
Dear Barb, Mark and Daniel, so sorry to learn about Clayton! A wonderful man of God.. Many good memories at the church. Praying for you!
Posted by Charolette Peterson on January 10, 2023
Sorry for your loss!
Posted by Jackie Christiansen on January 10, 2023
Rest in Peace sir
Posted by Calvin Luke on January 10, 2023
Rest in Peace your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
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