Melvin Lee Clayton

Melvin L. Clayton, 94, passed away peacefully at his home in Paradise Valley on October 31, 2015. He was surrounded by his family and his devoted wife, of more than 73 years, Vivian H. Clayton. Mr. Clayton was born to Monroe L. Clayton and Rachel Clayton, née Story, on August 8,1921 in Horatio, AR.

While Mel Clayton may have been known to most as an iconic local auto dealer for more than 40 years, Melvin rose from humble beginnings working in farming and construction prior to his serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. For a short time after his military service he owned a small grocery store; before beginning a new career as a car salesman with Consolidated Motors. Melvin’s conscientiousness soon attracted the attention and admiration of Consolidated Motors owner, Read Mullan. Melvin rose through the ranks in the company before finally buying out Read Mullan, with a loan from Valley National Bank secured with a handshake. In 1975, Read Mullan Ford became known as Mel Clayton Ford.

While the fruits of his labor in business was evident in the success of his business, what truly mattered most to Melvin was his family. Melvin and Vivian grew there family from their daughter Patty and twin sons Gerie and Gregory to include 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Nothing gave him greater joy than raising his children and witnessing the blessing that each grandchild and great-grandchild brought.

Mr. Clayton’s legacy lives on in the hearts and mind of those children, his employees, and everyone he came into contact with. His wit, wisdom, expressive smile, the glint in his eye, his blatant honesty, compassion and integrity that he showed to everyone who met him will never be forgotten.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00pm, Friday, November 6, 2015 in the Chapel at Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary, 719 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85009. Mr. Clayton will then be laid to rest within the Memorial Gardens at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery.

The family respectfully request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his honor to Copper Basin Bible Camp in care of Camelback Church of Christ, 5225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018.