Dawn Alaine Clayton, 74, of Vienna, was born October 12, 1946, at Fremont, Michigan, a daughter of Gordon Jahr and Nadine Beeler, and passed from this life Saturday, February 27, 2021, at her residence.

She was united in marriage on August 9, 1973, at Holton, Michigan, to John Arthur Clayton.

Dawn was a graduate of the University of Missouri, Rolla, and the University of Missouri School of Law, Columbia. For many years, she practiced law and was a fierce advocate for the interest of abused and neglected children.  Dawn was a member of the Missouri Bar Association, the Bennett Springs Barristers Club, and the Vienna Lions Club.  She had written numerous poems and had some published.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mrs. Clayton include: Her husband of over 47 years, Judge John A. Clayton, of their the home near Vienna; three sons, Douglas Clayton (Holly), and children, Mason, Conor, Ian, and Arley, all of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; Kenneth Clayton (Carla), and children, Audra, Sam, and Katelyn, all of Rolla; and Randal Clayton (Brittney), and children, Cameron, Mackenzie, Grace, Layne, Payton, Karter, and Trent, all of Rolla; one daughter, Elizabeth Huett (Scott), and daughter, Olivia, all of Lawson, Missouri; and other relatives and a host friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Gordon, and her mother, Nadine.

The way Mrs. Clayton lived her life, interacted with others, and fought for the rights of abused and neglected children are three of the best tributes anyone could have for their life. Family and friends will begin gathering at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 25, 2022, at the Rolla Lions Den, Highway 63 South, Rolla, MO 65401 to reflect on her life at a celebration of life service starting at 12 noon under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, 406 South Main Street, Vienna, MO 65582.

If you wish to honor Dawn, please support CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of South Central Missouri with your time and money.  Contributions may be mailed to 406 North Main, Suite A, Rolla, Missouri 65401, or contact CASA at 573-426-5437.  Correspondence and memorials in memory of Mrs. Dawn Clayton may also be mailed in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO  65582