Clayton Howard, 69, of Rochester, passed away at 9:01 AM on Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Waters of Peru.

On October 20, 1956, Clayton was born in Rochester to Warnie and Irene Adams Howard. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister, Ruby and a brother Harold.

Clayton worked at the foundry in North Manchester. Later, on the assembly line, he worked at Lobdell Emery of Argos for a number of years. Most recently he worked in maintenance at Burger King.

Clayton had a deep love for music and often could be found playing his guitar. He cherished time with his family. As an avid hunter, he, his dad and brother would make memories while out in the woods searching for rabbit and deer. When Zachery and Jacob were younger, camping and backyard BBQs were the best of times.

Left to cherish the memories of Clayton are two sons: Zachary Howard of Rochester, Jacob Howard of Delong; three grandchildren: Kierra Howard, Mannin Howard, Madilyn Howard; sister Ruby Howard of Rochester; niece, Heaven Westafer and husband Steven of Fort Wayne; nephew, Chris Howard of Plymouth; great nieces: Katie Gordon and husband Martin of Avilla, Kelsey Armstrong and husband Jake of Angola, Kylee Armstrong and husband Chris of Fort Wayne, Rebecca Carr of Plymouth; and his canine companion Molly.

Preceding Clayton in death are his parents, brother Harold Howard and nephew Harold Chip Howard.

Private family services will be held at a later date. The arrangements have been entrusted to Good Family Funeral Home of Rochester.