Clayton Oscar Jerred

Clayton Oscar Jerred, 88, of Gillette, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. He was surrounded by his family and the staff at Westview Health Care Center in Sheridan, Wyoming. A celebration of life begins at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, on his birthday, at High Plains Community Church. Anyone who knew Clayton knew that he was a joy to be around, always stylish in his signature suspenders. Up until the very end he kept a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face. We’re sure he is in great debates now with his friends and family talking politics and making presidential election predictions in heaven. Clayton was born Feb. 20, 1935, to Harold and Marie Keever Jerred in Colome, South Dakota. Clayton moved with the family and attended school in Oregon and Washington. From an early age, Clayton was mechanically gifted. His entrepreneurial spirit and endeavors served him well and helped many others. Clayton entered the army at age 19 and served his country during the Korean War, spending nine months deployed. After being honorably discharged, Clayton became a finish blade operator on President Eisenhower’s Interstate System Project. He married the love of his life, Donna Mae Mikkelson. His job literally and figuratively paved the way to take his wife Donna Mae and son Ted to Gillette. Here they started a long and successful career in real estate. Working as a power couple, Clayton and Donna Mae took the Gillette real estate scene by storm. In addition to real estate, Clayton also owned and operated a car wash, motel, laundromat, and convenience stores. Clayton was confident that whatever business venture he started, he could successfully run, and he did. Clayton served as President of the Wyoming Association of Realtors in 1979. He also achieved Emeritus Status for his dedicated service to the association and profession. This was just one of the many honors he received while working in real estate for over 40 years. Everyone knows that the love of Clayton’s life was Donna Mae and his family. A close runner up was drag racing. It was a passion and a joy in his life. Being a family affair, Clayton enjoyed traveling and competing in NHRA drag racing events and watching Ted burn some rubber! Over the 14 years competing in NHRA events, Clayton and the team took home two Wally awards, given to winners in the NHRA sportsman classes. During this time his team also made it to the cover of Super Chevy Magazine. Clayton could put together a big block Chevy engine in his sleep. Now, even though it’s NASCAR, he’d probably oblige Dale Earnhardt and tune his motor if he needs it in heaven. The ultimate family man, Clayton took great pleasure in watching his grandson’s sporting events. In later years, if he was at a hockey game he was there for the ice official, Derrek. Clayton is survived by the love of his life, Donna Mae; son, Ted (Tracy); grandson, Derrek; brother, Dennis (LouAnn); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Marie Keever Jerred; siblings, Harold D. Jerred, Martha Freedman, Margaret Walter, Lillian Taggert, Ron Jerred, and Doris Cogdill. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5^th Street, Gillette, WY 82716.