Laurence Anthony “Larry” Clayton, CPO, USN (Ret.) age 43, died on Wed., March 3, 2004, due to injuries sustained in an auto accident on I-5 near Arlington.

Mr. Clayton was born on Jan. 16, 1961, in Perivale, Middlesex, England, to Ian Anthony Clayton and Dorothy Mary (Hughes) Clayton. He moved with his family to the United States in 1966, where they settled in Arcadia, Calif. He attended Arcadia schools, graduating from high school there. Following graduation, he entered the US Navy. After twenty years of service, he retired as a chief petty officer in 1998. His tours of duty included Japan, Adak Island and Diego Garcia, and he served during Desert Storm.

Larry came to Oak Harbor in 1994. Following his retirement, he operated the Artistic Fencing Co. He enjoyed reading and collecting football cards.

Larry is survived by his lifelong companion, Tammi Baker of Oak Harbor; three sons, Anthony, Jonathon and Timothy Clayton, all of Oak Harbor; one step-son, Matthew Baker of Oak Harbor; his parents, Tony and Dorothy Clayton of Williamsburg, Va.; his sister, Louise Clayton-Kastenholz and husband Keith of Williamsburg, Va.; two nieces, Sarah and Mary Clayton-Kastenholz. Larry was an extremely dedicated and loving father.

A memorial graveside service will be at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at 11 a.m., with full military honors under the auspices of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station Honor Guard. Arrangements and cremation under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.