Gary Clayton, 71, passed away on December 25, 2025.

Gary Clayton, 71 of Hollister, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 25, 2025.  Born, Gary Wayne Clayton on July 30, 1954 in Madison, Wisconsin, he was one of four children born to Robert and Betty (Hilsenhoff) Clayton.

Gary grew up in Leawood, Kansas before his father’s job moved the family to Omaha, NE where Gary graduated high school. The family returned to the Kansas City metro area where Gary began his working career.  He quickly discovered what occupations did not suit him and with the guidance of his brother, became a real estate investor.  Gary became skilled at buying properties and renovating homes. His independent, savvy and sometimes stubborn nature afforded him many years of enjoyment and success in real estate investing. Gary was also a man of great faith. He counted it a blessing to be active with his church and community and served in spreading the Gospel on different missionary trips.  It was on such a trip to the Philippines that Gary met a beautiful Philippine woman, Marly and the two were married on November 29, 2008 in Leawood, Kansas. They moved to Hollister in 2010 from Kansas.

Along with being a father, brother, uncle, friend, and servant of Christ, Gary will be remembered as a patriot with a fierce devotion to American ideals.  He held a great love for the United States, freedom and democracy. For enjoyment, Gary loved to listen to music and go to concerts with friends and family.

He will be deeply missed by his children Mariana Clayton, Joseph Clayton,  and their mother Marly Clayton all of Branson; sister, Bonnie Traner & husband Dennis of Overland Park, KS; brother Steve Clayton & wife Paula of Overland Park; and sister, Lori Hutchins & husband Roger of Flower Mound, Texas, along with his extended family, friends and Church Family at Grace Community Assembly.

Services for Gary will be held at Grace Community Assembly on January 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery in Branson.  Memorials are requested to Grace Community Assembly in Gary’s memory, 3101 Gretna Rd., Branson, MO 65616.

Services are in the care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.