Clayton W. Christian, 83, Minot, died Wednesday, August 22, 2007, in a Minot Hospital.

Clayton was born November 3, 1923, at Lawton, North Dakota, the son of Leslie and Florence (Cameron) Christian. He was raised and educated at Lawton and graduated from Lawton High School in 1941. Clayton entered into active duty service with the U.S. Navy in 1943, and served in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. Clayton received his honorable discharge in 1946, and returned to North Dakota to begin work with the Railway Express Company in Minot.

Clayton was united in marriage to Paulina ("Polly" ) Schlecht on June 29, 1948 at rural Sawyer. They made their home in Minot, where he worked as a brakeman for the Great Northern Railway from 1951, until continuing his employment with Burlington-Northern until retiring in 1983.

Clayton was a longtime member of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot and served as an usher and trustee with the church. He was a member of the Minot Elk's Lodge #1089, American Legion Post #26 and Golden K Kiwanis.

His hobbies included traveling and taking trips with SCR to various places throughout the United States. He also enjoyed spending time with family, watching sporting events and playing catch with his grandson's.

His loving family includes : Wife of 59 years, Polly; Children: Shirley (Larry) Bruckner, Minnetonka, MN; Paulette (Jim) McCann, St. Cloud, MN; Grandchildren: Mike (Amanda) Bruckner, Matt Bruckner, Jesse (Carrie) McCann; Shanna (Saad) Ahmed and Jimena McCann; Great Grandchildren: Isabella McCann and Isaih McCann; Brothers: Leslie (Lorraine) Christian, Bottineau, ND; Claude (Eleanor) Christian, Douglas, WY; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Clayton was preceded in death by his parents and sister: Fern Brantl.

Funeral service : Saturday, August 25, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. in Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot;
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot;
Visitation: Friday from 2:00-7:00pm in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Our Redeemer's Church Building Fund or organization of the donor's choice.