Paul David Clayton, 75, of New Marion passed away at 8:30 a.m., Friday, January 16, 2026 at his home. He was born in Cleves, Ohio on November 13, 1950, the son of Cecil and Margaret Lockridge Clayton. He was married to Sandra Steele on February 19, 1971 and she survives. Other survivors include one son Scott (Sophie) Clayton of Floyds Knobbs; one daughter Angela Deann (Frank) Clayton-Earl of Holton; two grandchildren Paul Michael Parsons and Lucy Kay Clayton; one great-grandson Elliott Mathews; two brothers Tim (Kathy) Clayton of Commiskey and Joe (Vickie) Clayton of Holton; one sister Ruth (Clarence) Hill of Madison; brother-in-law Jim Hall of North Vernon. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Will Clayton, and his sister Barb Hall. Mr. Clayton was a 1969 graduate of South Ripley High School. He was an Army veteran serving at Ft. Knox and received his technical training at Ft. Ord, California. In civilian life Paul worked for Jim Peters Construction in Versailles and for Bruns-Gutzwiller Construction in Batesville. His hobbies included bird watching and fishing, and Paul was a founding member of the Wednesday Safety Meetings. Paul was also a member of the Versailles American Legion and Labor Union Local 741. Paul’s wishes were to be cremated and celebration of his life will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, January 24 at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Clarence Hill officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Military honors will be presented by the Versailles American Legion. Memorials may be given to the Versailles American Legion in care of the funeral home.