Clayton L. Bilyeu, 85
Clayton L. Bilyeu, 85, of Ankeny, Iowa, died Monday, December 9, 2019, at Suites of Ankeny.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 13, 2019, at Lutheran Church of Hope, 520 NW 36th Street, in Ankeny, with a luncheon following the service. Pastor Scott Raines will officiate. Burial of cremains will be held at a later date in West Lutheran Cemetery in Rake, Iowa. Condolences may be expressed online at www.amesmonument.com. Memorials in Clayton’s memory may be directed to the Mainstream Living General Fund or to Lutheran Church of Hope (Ankeny) Building Fund.
Born March 3, 1934, in Algona, Iowa, Clayton L. Bilyeu was the son of Milford and Rose Anna (Geilenfeld) Bilyeu. He was baptized on April 5, 1942, at Good Hope Lone Rock Church and was confirmed in his faith on June 12, 1955, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake.
Clayton grew up on a farm in Lotts Creek, graduating from Algona High School in 1952. On October 18, 1953, he married Lois Beverly Johnson at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake. They were blessed with three children.
Clayton began a lifelong career commitment to Fareway Grocery Stores, beginning in Algona. Over the years, he was transferred to multiple locations in Iowa including Fort Dodge, Independence, Manchester, Ottumwa, Oelwein and Cherokee, eventually settling in Marshalltown. Clayton retired from the Marshalltown Fareway in 1990 and moved to Arizona.
Clayton became a widower on March 3, 2008, when the love of his life, Lois, was called home to be with her Savior.
On September 22, 2012, Clayton married Marge Cook Dixon in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In death, Clayton rejoined his wife, Lois; son, Daniel; his parents; and brothers Merle, Milton, Leon, Dean and Ron.
He is survived by his daughter, Connie, of California; his son, Dana and wife Bonnie, of Ankeny; a daughter-in-law, Jeannie Bilyeu, of Nevada; six grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. Other survivors include his sister, Sharon (Jack) Vipond, of Plano, TX, and many dear friends in Arizona and Marshalltown.
Ames Monument & Cremation Center has been entrusted with the care of Clayton and his family.