June 30, 1948 – May 3, 2020
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.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441
Jim & Joyce Stacer
11 Jun 2020Katherine, we’re so very sorry for your loss. We had many good times together and will cherish them. Clay was always there when we needed him. We pray that the Grace of God will give you comfort in your time of sorrow. Our prayers to you and Elizabeth and Drew. We are proud to have known Clay and truly appreciate all his accomplishments of civic duty but also all the individual attention he shared with his friends and clients. May he rest in peace in the arms of Jesus. God Bless
Sherry Gilstrap
11 Jun 2020Katherine and family, our hearts go out to you and our prayers are with you in this time of loss. Clay was such a pleasant man. You and Clay have given so much of yourselves to our community,in the way you lead and served. I was always blessed by your smiles when you came in the door at church, to lead your usher team on Sunday. And I remember how you used to let William usher with you and Clay. May God minister to your heart at this time. We love you.
Jane Minnehan Rohrer
11 Jun 2020To Dear Kathy, her children, and Bill. I’m sorrowed by your loss. It will be difficult to navigate your world without Clay. I hope you will be comforted by the love and prayers sent your way. Blessings on you all.
Rick Neely
11 Jun 2020I am not even sure how I can put into words the feelings that hit me this morning. Upon reading about the loss of a man who was very influential during my young life, I have been moved to such sadness and yet, all of the happy thoughts that were formed during my friendship with Drew and Elizabeth have come flooding back as well. Katherine, you and Clay were so kind to me growing up. The times that I spent together with Drew and Elizabeth as a child are some of the most vivid memories that I have. Clay’s caring and compassionate approach toward us when we were kids was a great first look for me as to how I should strive to be toward my own children. My heart goes out to all of the family in this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts as we remember this great man and how he has touched so many lives. I am so sorry for your loss.