Obituaries

Clayton Wayne Stidham of Monclova, Ohio passed away Sunday February 2nd at the age of 60.

He was born August 9th, 1964, to Charles and Shirley Stidham in Toledo, Ohio.

Clayton graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1982, where he was then drafted by the New York Yankees in that years’ June MLB Amateur Draft. He was inducted into Central Catholic’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.

After two years with the Yankees organization, Clayton returned to Toledo and married the love of his life Rebecca (Lambert) Stidham on November 10, 1984.

Over the next decade Clayton and Rebecca quickly began growing their cherished family, welcoming four children and a move from Toledo to Monclova.

For over 39 years, Clayton worked at Johns Manville in Waterville, Ohio, part of which he spent working alongside his father. While his tenure at Manville was remarkable, it was the life he built outside of work that defined him the most.

Many recognize Clayton from the ball field, where he was either a dedicated coach or an overqualified spectator. He poured his heart into coaching his sons, their friends, and, in time, even his granddaughter. But his passion for teaching young people didn’t stop there, as he continued coaching at the request of family and friends long after his boys were done.

Whether it was sports, math homework, or lending a hand with a project, Clayton was always ready to share his knowledge. He had a keen knack for problem solving. He often studied tirelessly to learn a new skill to accomplish a task. To put it simply, if something was broken, Clayton could fix it. He never shied away from sharing his knowledge, and he took pride in helping others find a way forward—but for the love of God, if he is under the hood of the car HOLD THE FLASHLIGHT STEADY!

A one-time avid huntsman, Clayton had a love for the sport and was very skilled with a bow. He had a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, both in the field and in his extensive collection of bows, guns, and knives.

Later in life the hobby was kept to the gun range, where he shared many bonding moments with his daughter and youngest son.

Above all, Clayton was a loving and dutiful father, always on the move, accompanying one child or another to a game somewhere across Ohio. His presence was steady, his encouragement unwavering, and his support limitless. Clayton was known for his stature, standing at 6’6”, but even then, his presence in a room stood taller. His legacy lives on in the lessons he imparted, the people he helped, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

He is survived by his wife Rebecca Stidham; his four children Amanda, Cody (Tiffany), Josh (Meredith), Stephen (Katie); his grandchildren Kenleigh, Heidi, Cole, Luke, Walker Clay, Lily, Jo, Millie; and sibling Katrina (Les), as well as many other friends and family.

Family and friends are invited to honor Clayton’s life at a visitation on Saturday, February 8th, 2025 from 2-8 p.m. at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg (419-874-3133) where a funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 9th, 2025 at Noon. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made toward a college fund for Clayton’s grandchildren, ensuring his legacy of love and support continues for future generations.

Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.