Robert served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII and received many decorations during his career. After the war, war he was stationed at the Naval Weapons Station as an Estimator/Ordinance Planner.
He was a member of St. Olaf Catholic Church, American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. Robert received his pilot’s license at the age of 68 and loved to fly. He also enjoyed giving performances on his violin and harmonica and in doing so was very gratifying to him. Robert also loved singing. In his earlier years, Robert was an outdoorsman that loved to hunt and fish. He loved his family, touched many hearts, and was a humble and respected man.
Survivors include his sons, Jack Rosette (Linda), Robert Clayton and Kenny Clayton; daughters, Linda Sutton (Calvin) and Dona Newsome (Jeff); Anita Casteel, Calvin Sutton, Jr., Rachel Newsome, Rebbeca Marciano, Cameron Clayton and Brandon Clayton; and his beloved companion, Mary Francis Smith.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 28th from 6-8pm at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA. Mass will be held Thursday, November 29th beginning at 11am at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 104 Norge Lane, Williamsburg, VA. The interment will be Friday, November 30th at Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23606 at 12 noon.
To honor his memory, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) and /or The Shiners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607 (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org). Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.nelsencares.com.
