SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 25
In Memory
of
Joe D. Clayton
WHEREAS, The life of a distinguished jurist drew to a close
with the passing of the Honorable Joe D. Clayton of Tyler on
July 14, 2023, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, The son of Melvin and Clementine Clayton, Joe
Clayton was born in Bonham on November 21, 1938, and he grew up
with the companionship of three brothers, Bernard, Gene, and
John; in 1956, he graduated from Tulia High School, and he went on
to receive his bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at
Austin and his juris doctor degree from the UT School of Law; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Clayton worked as a partner and senior
partner in various law firms in Tyler and Fredericksburg prior to
embarking on his esteemed career in the judiciary, over the
course of which he served as judge of the 241st District Court,
the Smith County Court-at-Law in Tyler, and the Bullard Municipal
Court, as well as a senior state district judge; furthermore, he
held leadership roles within a number of professional
organizations, including the Texas Center for the Judiciary, the
State Bar of Texas, and the Texas Bar Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Judge Clayton gave
generously of his time and talents to numerous civic groups, such
as the Bowie Chamber of Commerce, the East Texas Estate Planning
Council, and the Tyler-Rose City Kiwanis Club; in his leisure
hours, he enjoyed hunting and fishing; and
WHEREAS, Above all else, Judge Clayton was devoted to his
loved ones; he shared a rewarding marriage with his wife, Jan,
that spanned five and a half decades until her passing in 2019,
and he took great pride in their three children, Joe, James, and
Catherine; with the passing years, he had the pleasure of
welcoming into his treasured family three granddaughters,
Ashley, Caroline, and Clementene; in all his endeavors, Judge
Clayton was sustained by his strong faith, and he was a valued
member of First Presbyterian Church in Tyler; and
WHEREAS, Joe Clayton earned the respect and admiration of
all who knew him, and he leaves behind a record of service that
his family and friends can remember with pride; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
of Judge Joe D. Clayton and extend sincere condolences to all who
mourn his passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of Joe Clayton.
Hughes
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on October 19, 2023, by
a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate