John Clayton Charles, 95

May 19, 2024

John Clayton Charles, 95, went home to Jesus on Saturday, May 18, 2024 while under the care of Hospice. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late John Clayton Charles and Mary Rutt Charles. Clayton was married to his loving wife, Dorothy, for 64 years.

If you knew Clayton, you knew what it was to be loved. He was so genuinely intentional in the way he spoke with others, and spent little time ever talking about himself. Kindness and encouragement flowed out of him in all that he did. Clayton lived a long life of simplicity and contentment, spending all of his years in the same farmhouse in which he was born. Whatever he did, no matter how simple the task, he did faithfully. Clayton loved sports, being on the tractor, and spending time with family. In his free time you could find him golfing and cheering for the Philadelphia Phillies, especially his favorite player Robin Roberts. Clayton was always looking for ways to help people, and enjoyed volunteering for many years at LGH and Meals on Wheels. He was thankful to attend East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church, where he was a faithful member for 58 years.

Clayton started school at Millersville State teachers college in hope of becoming an agricultural teacher but ultimately took over the family dairy farm when his father passed away unexpectedly. After farming, he spent 20 years working as a USPS mail carrier, where he retired at the age of 77.

It is no surprise that Clayton’s favorite scripture was Micah 6:8- “and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”. Clayton lived this verse so well during his time on earth, and his family and friends have so much joy in knowing he is now walking with God through eternity.

In addition to his wife, Dorothy of Lancaster, Clayton is survived by his sons: John Charles and Thomas Charles (husband of Connie); grandchildren: Amanda Stratmeyer (wife of Robert), Jeremiah Charles (husband of Chelsea), Shane Charles, Emily Miller (wife of Cooper) and Jessica Fossler (wife of Alex); seven great grandchildren and two sisters: Helen and Betty Charles.

In addition to his parents, Clayton is preceded in death by his brother B. Robert Charles and sister Margaret Lefever.

Family will receive friends Friday, May 24, 2024 at East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church, 432 E Chestnut St, Lancaster, PA 17602, from 10:30am to 11:30am with a service beginning at 11:30am. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Rd., Lititz, PA. 17543 or Tenfold, 308 E. King St., Lancaster, PA. 17602.