Clayton Sean Barnes

Clayton Barnes
Clayton Sean Barnes passed away while serving his country as an Apache helicopter pilot on Monday, August 20, 2007. Clayton was born on March 24, 1977, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He joined the Utah National Guard when he was 17 years old, and has been proudly serving with them for the last 13 years. He always knew he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and become a helicopter pilot. Clayton, who was known by his fellow aviators as "Buddha," achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2, and he felt honored to be able to fight for the country he loved by serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Clayton packed more experiences into his 30 years on Earth than most people do in a lifetime. He served in the Manila Philippines Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He graduated from Brigham Young University and was just beginning dental school. He married the love of his life, Melinda Daniels, in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple on February 11, 2000, and his life revolved around her and their three children. Clayton was very excited about the upcoming birth of their fourth child, a baby girl, due this November. He always made time for his family, and one of his greatest joys in life was making his kids laugh. We'll remember Clayton for so many reasons. He was always willing to help those in need. He had a strong belief in his religion, and he loved sharing his testimony with others. He loved learning, spending time with friends, riding dirt bikes, flying, snowboarding, and teaching his kids how to rip it up on their battery-powered Hummer. Most of all, we'll remember Clayton's smile. He was always happy; no matter when you saw him you knew he'd have a huge grin on his face. He loved life, he adored his family, and his happiness was contagiousa€"you couldn't help smiling when you were with him. Clayton was the rock of his family, the person everyone knew they could rely on. Even though it was much too short, his life was full, and it was always filled with joy. We know he's still smiling at us from up in Heaven. We love you Clayton. Clayton is survived by his wife, Melinda, his children, his parents, Susan Linda Covington and Charles Scott Barnes, his brothers, Christian and Chad, his sisters, Susannah and Summer, and many nieces and nephews. Clayton's viewing will be held on Friday, August 24 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, August 25 from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the LDS Stake Center on 650 W 800 S in Payson, Utah. His funeral will also be held at the Stake Center on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Funeral services are being provided by SereniCare Funeral Directors. Clayton will be buried in the Orem cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the "In Memory of Clayton Barnes" fund at any Wells Fargo bank. Online condolences may be submitted to www.serenicare.com