Clayton Menefee

Clayton C. Menefee left us to join his parents, 7 brothers and 2 sisters at the feet of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior early Sunday morning, July 29, 2018. He was 95 years old, born in Granbury, TX to J.P. and Mendozia (Robinette) Menefee. The family farmed north of Hagerman, NM in 1928 and then homesteaded three sections of land near Pinon which is still known as The Menefee Ranch. Upon his graduation from Hope High School he enlisted in the US Navy where he served on the USS Solace, one of America's most famous hospital ships handling large numbers of casualties and wounded. He spent the biggest part of the war in the Pacific theater, being in charge of the ship's primary surgery ward. Following discharge he returned to Artesia where he worked for First National Bank before becoming vice president and manager of Artesia Savings and Loan. While serving there he embarked on a civic effort affecting not only Artesia but the entire state which changed the law from Building and Loan Act to NM Savings and Loan League. Clayton served 11 years on the Artesia City Council, was a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, The Artesia General Hospital Board, The Civil Defense Council, The Citizen's Advisory Committee on spending. The Municipal Parking Authority and the Urban Renewal Agency. As Chairman of that agency he worked on a massive project to overhaul the area around Eagle Draw which prevented the city from flooding as well as creating a park. He was appointed as a substitute municipal judge from 1992-1996. In addition he served as Chairman of North Eddy County Red Cross Board and was a member of Valley Lions Club. He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and a long time member of First United Methodist Church serving on their Finance Committee. He served as President of Roswell Saving and Loan and later as Vice President of The Valley Savings and Loan Branch in Lovington. Upon retirement in 1982 he returned to Artesia.

He is survived by his wife, Clara Menefee of the family home. Granddaughter, Cindy Barley (Joel) of Artesia; Son-In-Law, Porkey White and wife Sharon of Indiana; Sisters-in-law, Helen Menefee of Alamogordo and Rosella Lee of Albuquerque; Brothers-in-law, Raymond Jones (Nancy) of Artesia and Earl Jones (Shannon) of Dexter; Great- Grandsons, Alan Barley, Matthew Barley (Katie) both of Colorado; Wesley Barley (Kandice) of Artesia,. Grandsons Henry White, Jesse (Karen) White both of Indiana; 10 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren; 1 great-great-great-grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews and 2 grand-dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Brothers, Howard, Clyde, Marvin, Lawrence, Glen, Don and Lynn; Sisters, Valera and Gladys; his first wife, Maxine Menefee; Step-daughter Sarah Malone; Grandson, Specialist First Class Raymond White.

Cremation has taken place and no service is planned. Memorial donations can be sent to World War II Memorial, 1750 Independence Ave, Washington, D C 20024, designated for Arizona Memorial. Or a donation to your favorite charity if you desire.

The family expresses thanks to Artesia General Hospital Dr's, Staff and Encompass Hospice Staff for their care and support.