L. Clay Barton, of Lee’s Summit, MO, passed away on May 3, 2020, at his home. Clay was born June 30, 1948, in Clark, Missouri, to A. Clay and Dorothea Barton. He attended and graduated from Moberly High School in 1966. He received his BA from the University of Missouri - Columbia, in 1970. While at Mizzou, Clay was living in the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house and introduced himself one day to the love of his life, Katherine Stone, who was living across the street. Clay and Katherine were married on August 15, 1970, in Anderson, Missouri. One week later, Clay began law school at the University of Missouri - Columbia where he graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 1973.
After law school, Clay and Katherine settled in Oak Grove, Missouri, where Clay practiced law for forty-five years at the corner of Broadway and SE 12th St. He served as a President of Missouri Municipal Attorneys and represented local communities, small businesses, financial institutions and families in a wide array of matters with integrity and compassion alongside his colleagues and great friends at Barton, Hall and Schneiders.
Clay and Katherine raised their children, Elizabeth and Drew, in Oak Grove. Clay was several times a room dad in his children’s classrooms and a faithful attendee at many school theater, band and orchestra events. Clay was an active leader in Oak Grove as part of groups that worked toward the construction of the town’s first civic center and pool and several additions to school facilities.
Together, Clay and Katherine were active members in the First Baptist Church and the Community Services League of Eastern Jackson County. Over time, Clay also served on the Board of Powell Gardens, St Mary’s Hospital, Centerpoint Hospital, and the United Way of Greater Kansas City.
In 2006, Clay and Katherine moved to Lee’s Summit, where they were members of Woods Chapel United Methodist Church.
Clay is survived by his wife, Katherine Barton of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; his daughter Elizabeth (married to Brian) Ubell of Houston, Texas; and son Drew (married to Tom Sullivan) Barton of Chicago, Illinois. He treasured his grandchildren: William (12) and Andrew (9) and Katherine (5) Ubell of Houston, Texas; and Cooper Sullivan (26) of Chicago, Illinois. He is also survived by one sister: Patricia (married to John) Ivy of Laurens, South Carolina; one brother-in-law William Stone; and many dear friends who were a constant source of support and joy for him and eager listeners to his numerous stories.
He was preceded in death by his brother Lanny Lee Barton and his parents.
Due to guidance on gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will hold a private service at a later date which will be shared via video. His ashes will reside at Powell Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Community Services League of Eastern Jackson County, Oak Grove School District Education Foundation or Powell Gardens.
Click the link below to join Clay's Celebration of Life on June 20th at 5 PM EST
https://gatheringus.zoom.us/j/94141682528
After the service, you can consult the list below and click to join a reception room of your choice
Family, Early Years, & College Friends
gatheringus.zoom.us/j/97173249732
Professional & Community Service Friends
https://gatheringus.zoom.us/j/93030849227
Eastern Jackson County Friends & Neighbors
https://gatheringus.zoom.us/j/96040481652
Elizabeth's and Drew's Friends
gatheringus.zoom.us/j/95020017297
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