Notice of Passing: Dale L. Clayton, Former WV Fire Commissioner

​​Dale Lloyd Clayton, 83, of Fairmont, passed away on Tuesday (Jan. 3, 2017) at the Fairmont Health and Rehabilitation Center. Dale was born in Fairmont, on Oct. 12, 1933, a son of the late George Brooks and Esther Leah (Kirk) Clayton. Dale is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Ann (Murphy) Clayton; sons, Gary Clayton of Vero Beach, Florida, and Don Metz and wife Donna of Fairmont; daughter, Pamela Ferrell of Charleston; seven grandchildren, Amy, Wesley, Jason, Andy, Joe, Brett and Kate; and several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joyce Metz Waronicki.

Dale attended Fairmont State College and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in industrial technology. He began working at Monongahela Power Co. in 1958. He retired as substation maintenance supervisor, Monongahela Power Co.'s general office, with more than 37 years of service. Dale was very active in his church, Meadowdale United Methodist Church, H&H Chapel, until his illness. He served as a member of the administrative council and later became chairman of that council.

For many years, Dale volunteered his services as an EMT with the Marion County Rescue Squad and had also served as a multimedia first-aid instructor. Clayton had been a member of the Winfield District Fire Department for more than 40 years. He had served as a firefighter, secretary-treasurer, deputy chief, chief and president. From 1991-2001, he served as president of the West Virginia State Fire Chief's Association. Through his volunteer years of service, he was very involved with many aspects of fire training and prevention.
In 2001, Dale had been appointed and confirmed as a member to the West Virginia State Fire Commission by former West Virginia Gov. Bob Wise. He served two full terms in that position.

Dale enjoyed his church and Winfield Volunteer Fire Department's longtime friends and families. He enjoyed camping with his wife, Ruth Ann, as well as gardening, working in his garage on various projects and spending time at family gatherings for the holidays and special occasions. We would like to thank the Fairmont Health and Rehabilitation Center and Ruby Memorial Hospital staff for the excellent care that was given during his stay. Friends and family may call from 3-8 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Carpenter & Ford Funeral Home, 209 Merchant St., Fairmont. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Shepherd officiating. Burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be expressed online at www.carpenterandford.com.