Clayton L. Deen

Clayton Deen was born in 1937 in a small town in north Florida. The son of Lee and Lossie Deen, he grew up in the company of three brothers; Robert, Tommy, Ricky and a Sister Lucie. His childhood was shaped by a rural community that valued hard work, self-reliance, a love of family and a faith in God. These values would ultimately define Clayton and guide him through life. He carried with him the pain of losing his father and an older brother at an early age and of losing his mother in later life. Clayton served in the US air force and remained a patriot who believed in the opportunities offered by our country. A graduate of the University of Florida, Clayton had a successful career spanning nearly four decades and culminating in his retirement as a Vice President from Brown and Brown Insurance. In his professional life, Clayton was known as a leader and hardworking individual with a sharp wit and a penchant for the occasional practical joke. He was loved and respected by his colleagues. In his twenties, Clayton met Jeanette who would turn out to be the love of his life. Jeanette and Clayton were wed and remained married throughout his remaining 53 years. Their devotion to each other overcame all obstacles and their union was a partnership of strengths. Their bond will endure. Clayton quickly became an adopted father, brother and son to Jeanette's family. He was often sought out to share good times and to provide council as his advice was wise and valued. Clayton and Jeanette have two sons, four grandchildren and one great grandchild, all of whom love him dearly and will strive to become the person he modeled. To his grandchildren, he was known as “Pop-Pop” and he was their favored driver to and from school. It’s no secret why since those trips always involved a good adventure story from Pop Pop and usually a visit to the candy store. In retirement, his prized possessions were a truck that had seen its better days and one of the finest lawn mowers ever made. They didn't have much monetary value but for Clayton, they gave him a way to help others. Mowing a son’s lawn or picking up leaves for a niece and nephew were a reward for him because it gave him an opportunity to help. He will forever be remembered for these simple acts of giving that that he performed continuously and freely. In his final week with us, he continued to show his strength and love for his family, telling all that he loved them. He left this world under the mercy of God and without debt for he had given more in his life than ever taken.