Clayton Brenner, 85, of New Athens, IL, born July 2, 1939, in Plainwell, Michigan, died July 22, 2024.
Clayton was a farmer, a United States Air Force veteran, a member and past commander of the American Legion in Mira Loma, CA, and was a real estate agent before his retirement. Clay lived an incredible life, had an infectious smile, never met a stranger that did not become a friend and would give you the shirt off his back. He knew how to enjoy life and ensure you did too.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 34 years, Joan K. Brenner, nee Hrdlicka, whom he married on August 31, 1973, and who died on February 17, 2008; his parents, Clayton “Bud” and Sylvia, nee Moored, Brenner; and his sister, Evonna Beard.
Clayton is survived by his five children, Kelli (Andrew) Gonzales, Anthony (Clarisse) Brenner, Kathleen (Dale) Hiske, Linda (Tom) Szabo, and Ruth (Mike) Jones; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Smile to help a child born with a cleft or cleft palate. Donations can be made in memory of Clayton Brenner by calling 888-249-3797 by their website at secure.operationsmile.org or by mail: Operation Smile 3641 Faculty Boulevard Virginia Beach, VA 23453. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit the family from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Smithton, IL. Military honors will follow at 2 p.m.
A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 7304 Bottoms Road, New Athens, IL.
Arrangements by George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Smithton, IL
