Clayton Yonker

Clayton Kenneth Yonker, age 88, of North Platte, NE, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at Great Plains Health in North Platte. Clayton was born September 1, 1927, to George and Faye Yonker at Wallace, NE. He attended country school and ranched with his father until he joined the U.S. Army. Clayton served in Korea from 1951-53. Following his discharge, Clayton returned to Nebraska and was united in marriage to JoAnn Geiger on December 30, 1953, at North Platte where they made their home. They raised three daughters and were foster parents to several boys. Clayton and JoAnn were married for nearly 60 years until she passed away in 2013. Clayton drove the city bus then hauled bulk fuel for several years. He also owned a gas station at Hershey with Paul Hernandez for several years before going to work as a parts man for Orville Kaschke at John Deere. After retiring from John Deere Clayton worked part-time for Don Mentzer. Clayton was a member of the Episcopal Church of Our Savior and V.F.W. Post #1504. He is survived by his daughters, Linda (Jay) Colburn, of Sutherland, NE, and Boni and (Lynn) Hothan, of Hershey, NE; six grandchildren, Melissa (Barrey) Konicek, Keri (Levi) Fisher, Amanda (Aaron) Brandes, Brenda (Ryan) Fisher, Will (Sharley) Cleveland and Chelsea Jury; six great-grandchildren, Sage and Devin Konicek, Mekenna and Peyton Fisher, Hope Boggs and Danica Cleveland; and several nieces, nephews and other family. Along with his wife, JoAnn, Clayton was preceded in death by their daughter, Cheryl Yonker; brothers, Charles, Darrell and Harold Yonker; and parents, George and Faye. Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at the Episcopal Church of Our Savior with Father Jeffrey Nelson officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the church.