Clayton E. Benner, Jr., age 83, of Salem, NH died Friday Oct. 24 at the Bedford VA Hospital in Bedford, MA.
He was born in Waltham, MA and grew up and was educated in Lawrence. He was a resident of Salem for 44 years. Mr. Benner served his country during WW II in the US Army as a Master Sargent and earned both a Silver and Bronze Star. He was a survivor of the China-Burma India Theatre and was one of the famous “Merrill’s Marauders.”
Clayton was employed in the maintenance department at the Salem High School in Salem, NH. He was a former member of the Methuen Rod and Gun Club. Clayton was gifted with the use of machinery and liked to work with his hands. He took pride in maintaining his home and enjoyed collecting stamps and fishing, and loved a good laugh. Clayton will be well remembered and missed by many.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Margaret of Salem, NH
1 Son: Ronald & his wife Lynda Benner of Broken Arrow, OK
2 Brothers: Harold Benner of Riverside, CA; George Benner of Cape Fair, MO
6 Sisters: Freida Laroche of New York; Dorothy Thomas of Salem, NH; Barbara Benner of Salem, NH; Betty Shawcrass of Salem, NH; Eleanor Childs of Windham, NH; Mickey Blanchette of North Carolina;
2 granddaughters Sharon Benner & Sheila Griffin and several nieces and nephews
The funeral will be held Monday at 10:30 AM at the Douglas and Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen, MA.
Calling hours will be Sunday from 3-6 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 10 Ferry St., Suite 427B, Concord, NH 03301.