Clayton C.

Johnson

Clayton Carl Johnson, 93, of O'Neill, died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill, surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation was held Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a prayer service.

Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church in O'Neill. Pastor Kasey Summerers officiated.

Burial was in the O'Neil Cemetery in O'Neill with military rites provided by the Verdigre American Legion Post 259 and the O'Neill American Legion Post 93.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Clayton was born to Bruce and Clara (Miller) Johnson on July 11, 1932 on the family farm. He had one older brother and one younger sister. Clayton attended grade school at Osborne country school that was near his home. He then went on and graduated from O'Neill Public School in 1948 at only 15 years old. After graduation, he continued to work on the family farm.  

Clayton met the love of his life Lois Robertson at a dance. They were united in marriage on May 7, 1954 in the Evangelical United Brethren Church at Orchard. Clayton was drafted into the United States Army soon after. While in the army, they made their first home in Tacoma, WA at Fort Lewis where he was on the rifle team. In 1956, they welcomed their son Roger Michael. Soon after his arrival, they moved to the Johnson family farm where they made their home for over 50 years until moving to O'Neill in 2008. After Clayton lost his beloved wife of 63 years in a car accident in November 2017, he made his home at the Evergreen Assisted Living in O'Neill until his passing.  

Clayton had a profound, lifelong passion for farming and ranching. This legacy of his connection to and love of the land and livestock, as well as his strong work ethic, lives on in the generations that follow him. Clayton was progressive with artificial inseminating his cattle herd which is still a cherished tradition with Roger, Julie and his grandchildren. His compassion for cattle and horses was also shown in his role as a 4-H leader for many years, strong supporter of FFA and his daily work on the farm guiding his family. 

Clayton was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in O'Neill where he served as an elder and held various offices through the years.  

Clayton dearly loved his family and they cherished him. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's events when the farm allowed, especially watching them in the showring at the fair. He kept tabs on all his great-grandchildren's many activities and events up until his passing; always asking how they did or what they were up to. He loved to be surrounded by family and he will be greatly missed by so many, especially those that called him Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa or Uncle Clayton.  

Clayton is survived by his son Roger (Julie) of Verdigre; his four grandchildren Shane (Deanne) Johnson of Columbus, Sarah (Kyle) Konopasek of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, Cassie (Jon) Sonder of Verdigre and Jessica (Alex) Clark of Neligh; nine great-grandchildren Owen, Aden and Violet Konopasek, Gabe, Gunner and Knox Sonder and Renn, Sage and Tait Clark; his brother-in-law Don Calkins of Lincoln; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and his dear friend Peggy Maw.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois, dear infant son Daryl, brother Walter (Dorothy) Johnson and sister Claryce Calkins.