Clayton Dean White

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Clayton Dean White, 87, of Las Cruces, New Mexico passed into the Lord’s arms on February 10, 2025.

Clayton will be interred near his grandparents, S.W. and Idella White, in the family plot outside Meadow, Texas with Military honors, recognizing his service in the US Army. A Celebration of Clayton's Life will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Grace Covenant Church, 3111 N. Main, Las Cruces. Those unable to attend the service are invited to remember one of his favorite verses, John 14:2 "In my Father's house, are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

Clayton is missed terribly by his wife of 59 years, Betty Lou (Kirk). The two grew up in families rooted in Meadow, Texas before marrying in 1965 and the following year moving to Las Cruces, where they raised their family. Clayton worked for State Farm Insurance for thirty-three years.  

Clayton was born in 1937 in the heart of the oil-patch, Hobbs, New Mexico to Clayton Odell White and Nadine Faye (McCombs). When he was ten years old, he regularly hitchhiked to the Hobbs Country Club to caddie. He came to love golf and was often heard to say, “every family needs two good golfers, so it’s a good thing I had two kids.” He introduced his children, Lara and Mitch, to the game at a young age, carting them all over the country to junior golf events. He may have been the only man in the world lucky enough to experience watching alongside Tiger's father, Earl, while their sons played golf, also have comparing notes with Sunday Lopez (Nancy’s dad) as Lara wound around a hot, dry course in Roswell.

Over the years, Clayton learned life's lessons and left his mark in Big Spring, El Paso, Lovington, Phoenix, Casa Grande, and Austin, before eventually becoming a standout high school football running back under Friday Night Lights in Meadow, Texas (coached by a well-known former quarterback at Texas Tech, Elmer Wilson).

Clayton always had a volunteer spirit, serving in Europe with the US Army, gaining highest marks as a sharpshooter and sharper storyteller. He received a degree from Texas Tech and became a forever-fan of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland. He would often have their marching band album blaring loud enough to inspire everyone in the house and out. 

Clayton approached his work as he did all else in life, handling insurance claims thoughtfully and fairly. His professional dedication led him to attain Charter Property Casualty Underwriter designation and duties, including President, of the New Mexico Claims Association. Outside work Clayton enjoyed Toastmasters International enough to rise for the 6:30 am breakfast meetings. He attained Distinguished Toastmaster designation and served as President of the club. He assisted the startup of Habitat for Humanity in Las Cruces, Red Cross relief efforts in El Paso, and was a member of Mesilla Park Community (New Life) Church where he was always a willing greeter.  

Always, Clayton was a high-spirited prankster who kept everyone on the alert. Friends and family knew Clayton to be a man who could quickly recognize the soul of a person and generally love them for exactly who they were. He was happy to let you know how he felt about you, having a big heart and loving most everyone. Anyone sharing a table with him at the Las Cruces Country Club could be treated to a steady stream of insightful observations laced with wry humor and a twinkle of his beautiful hazel eyes. He would speak his mind to anyone about everything, never failing to share how proud he was of his family. 

Clayton was dedicated to his family. Above all he endeavored to give his family everything he could. He was proud of his beautiful wife, “Bets”, his daughter, Lara and husband Dennis Davis, and their two sons, Jackson and Cole Clayton. He was equally proud of his son, Mitch and his wife Mari, and their two daughters, Kira and Seri. He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Robert Huntsman. Clayton is survived by one sister, Mary Elaine Twitchell.
 
Clayton's quick wit and generous spirit will be missed by all lucky enough to have known him. Our family extends deepest gratitude to the staff of Desert Peaks Assisted Living for treating Clayton with care and compassion. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Bonaventure Mission School in Thoreau, New Mexico, Red Cross, or Habitat for Humanity. 
 
The White family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home.

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