Clayton Homer Young 's Obituary
Clayton was born in Oakland, CA to Freda and Ralph Young. He had 2 siblings. His brother Leland and sister Lorraine.
He graduated from Fremont High School in 1942.
After high school Clayton went into the Navy. He was part of the crash crew from 1943-1946.
In his early 20s, Clayton began working out at Jack LaLanne’s first gym. They became good friends and workout partners. During this time, Clayton became friends with several famous competitors including Steve Reeves and Jimmy Payne.
In 1947 Clayton moved to North Hollywood. During his years in Hollywood, he traveled with the Spike Jones Band and became very close friends with the drummer Joe Siracusa. Clayton had a malt shop called Hamburgers Hollywood before opening the Meatball Manor with Joe. They loved their restaurant and prided themselves with good food and jokes made to the customers. The Meatball Manor was frequented by many Celebrities. Their motto was “Pizza on earth, Good will to men” Clayton also worked for the Mike Conrad Agency as a private detective. He was assigned to one customer - Howard Hughes. During this time he met many celebrities including Debbie Reynolds, Mickey Rooney and Joan Collins.
In 1955 Clayton moved to Mexico. He lived and worked there for 7 years. Clay moved back to Oakland, CA in 1962. In 1965 he started a new business - Associated Rug and Upholstery Cleaners. He continued cleaning carpets for close to 45 years and truly enjoyed the work and his customers. He had many of the same customers for all those years and considered them close friends.
Clayton moved to Benicia in 1980. Every day he spoke about how lucky he was to have the best house in the best neighborhood with the best neighbors. He said he wouldn’t trade his home for any other and hoped he could stay there the rest of his life. Thanks to help from so many friends, family and neighbors, he was able to remain in that home.
In his final years he enjoyed sitting in his garage and giving out fruit snacks to everyone that walked by. He also very much enjoyed going to the Benicia Senior Center for lunch. He made many good friends there.
Clayton is survived by his daughters Cindy Caitham and Renee Mason and grandchildren Jasmine Young, Serena Young and Chad Clayton Power.
What’s your fondest memory of Clayton ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Clayton ?
Share a story where Clayton 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Clayton you’ll never forget.
How did Clayton make you smile?
