Clayton "Spud" DeVoe

Clayton “Spud” DeVoe, 85, of Missoula, passed away on Tuesday, November 29 at his home, of throat cancer.

Clayton was born to Dorothy & George DeVoe on May 7, 1931 in the now defunct town of Franklin, North Dakota. Clayton’s family moved to Milltown, Montana where he attended Bonner school and his father worked as a guard at the ACM mill. When the war ended in 1945, at the age of 14, Clayton moved to Wenatchee, Washington to pick fruit through the summer and fall. Clayton then moved to Missoula where he worked at Liberty Lanes setting pins and attended Hellgate High School. When he turned 15 Clayton moved to Arlee where he worked for T.J Rowe and learned the bee business. From 1947-1952 he worked for the railroad on both the Perma and the Dixon lines.

In 1950 Clayton married Bonnie Wentz and they soon welcomed two sons, George Curtis (born 1951) and Charles Eugene (born 1952). At the age of 21, Clayton began ranching. He started out renting a ranch in Moiese, but within 3 years he owned his own ranch and built up his own herd to over 1,100 cows. Over the next 13 years Clayton’s success expanded beyond ranching – he sold sprinkler systems, bought and sold cattle at auctions across Montana, was on the Water Board, a member of the Valley Club, was a Precinct Committeeman and bought a 36 unit apartment building in Salem, Oregon.

In 1968 Clayton built the Alpha Arms Apartment complex (30 units) and business office. From 1970-71 he built the Alpha East Apartment complex (67 units) plus several other houses and duplexes which he used as rental properties. These properties became the foundation for a family business which he owned and operated for over 45 years.

Clayton spent much of his time over the next six years with his steadfast poker buddies. They met on Wednesdays and Saturdays in smoke filled rooms, occupying two tables of six – they would play all night. Clayton was looking forward to seeing all his buddies again: Bob Riley, Jack Hardenburgh, Elmer Boyce, Ted Watkins, Lee Jordan, Don Romstad, Whitey Garnaas, Jack Blahnick, Del Tyler, Bill Hainline, Walt Hunt, Dale Mahlum and John Erickson.

In 1977 Clayton met the love of his life, Debbie Thrailkill. Debbie was a teacher at Bonner School and had a seven year old daughter named Stacy. Upon meeting, Clayton and Debbie became inseparable, spending the last 38 years side by side. They enjoyed dancing at the Elks Club, taking cruises, traveling to Puerto Vallarta in the winter, and to Prince Rupert, British Columbia every summer to fish for the big halibut and salmon. One of their great pleasures was spending time at Flathead Lake fishing in his “Queen Mary”.

In 1978 Clayton bought “The Ranch” – a 1200 acre property near Lewistown, Montana. Over the next 20 years the entire family spent time at The Ranch making improvements to the property and growing wheat and hay.

In 1985, Clayton declared “There is always room for one more!” and in 1986 adopted his beloved daughter Sarah Ann.

Clayton purchased Lord’s Jewelers (Marion, OH) in 1985 and soon expanded with stores in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. Over the years, he closed all except the Missoula store which is run by his son George.

One constant in Clayton’s life was the Elks Lodge which he became a member of in 1968. When he became Chairman of the Trustees, he used his business expertise to rescue the Elks Lodge #383 from insolvency. He remodeled much of the lodge, bringing it back to the glory of the “good old days” hosting frequent parties and providing a hub for the community. Clayton retired in 2012 leaving the Elks Lodge in a positive position with $800,000 in CD investments. Clayton also gave back to the community by starting a scholarship fund of $200,000. for seniors at Charlo High School –where his sons went to school.

Survivors include his companion, Debbie Thrailkill, two daughters, Stacy and Sarah; his son George and his son Jasen; son Charles, wife Lonnie and their children Jonathan and Richelle; four great-grandchildren, and his brother Ray and wife Ondina, who live in Salem, Oregon.

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday Dec. 3 at Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway with a reception to follow.

Clayton and his family would like to extend sincere thanks to Home Health & Hospice of Montana for their wonderful care and support.

In lieu of flowers, Clayton would appreciate donations be sent to Watson Children’s Shelter (watsonchildrensshelter.org) of Missoula.