Paul Eugene Clayton, Age 74, Richland, WA, passed away on April 16, 2026, at Guardian Angels in Richland.

He was born on May 27, 1951, in Eugene, OR to Duane and Charlotte Clayton shortly before they moved to Richland, WA, where he lived until he graduated from Richland High School in 1970.

Paul was a deeply spiritual man whose life was centered on his faith in Christ. He found great joy in music, hiking, and spending time with his family. After high school, Paul became an active member of the Jesus People movement at Bible Way in Richland, Washington-an experience that defined the course of his life.

Dedicated to his ministry, he helped establish new fellowships in Ontario, Oregon, and Moses Lake. It was during his years at Bible Way that he met his future wife, Lois Lund. The two were married in Sunnyside and served together in ministry at the Grandview Christian Center until moving back to Richland in 1987. Paul was officially ordained as a minister in 1978.

While in Grandview, he was introduced to aviation by a friend and went on to earn his private pilot’s license in 1978. In addition to his passion for flight, his love of music inspired him to learn the saxophone and later taught himself to play the violin. Throughout his life, he shared these talents during church services, remaining a dedicated member of the musical ministry until his health no longer permitted him to attend.

His profound connection to music paved the way for a successful career in piano technology. After founding his own tuning and repair business in 1983, he became highly regarded for his technical expertise and dedication. He remained committed to his craft for over forty years, serving his clients until his retirement a few years before his death.

Following his father’s influence, he pursued mountaineering and hiking, successfully summiting Mt. Rainier in 1988 and later Mt. Baker. He continued hiking throughout the rest of his life.

Paul was a good man, a wonderful father and grandfather. He will be missed.

He is survived by his son Anthony Clayton and granddaughter Alice Clayton of Richland as well as his nephew Clint Clayton of Hawaii.