Memorials › Clayton Clifton Coull

Clayton Clifton Coull

21 Jun 1920 – 7 Jul 2006

Birth21 Jun 1920
Death7 Jul 2006
CemeteryScotty Philip Cemetery
Fort Pierre , Stanley County , South Dakota , USA
Added byIn memory of Scott on 08 Jul 2006
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14863199

Bio

Clayton Clifton Coull was born June 21, 1920, in Selby, Walworth County, South Dakota to Lloyd and Addie Mae (Smith)Coull. He died at Brookview Manor in Brookings on July 7, 2006. Clayton grew up in Vivian, SD where he graduated from high school in 1938. He liked to tell people that he got the traveling bug at an early age after attending the first grade at four different schools. On August 19, 1940, he married the love of his life, Jean Woodward. He worked at various jobs in South Dakota and Wyoming until he received a letter from his wife's sister and her husband telling him there were good paying jobs in California. They loaded up their two children, Patty and Dennis, and moved to Richmond, CA where he worked at the Kaiser Shipyards. Clayton entered the Navy in 1944 and for a time the family lived in San Diego. Jean and the two children later returned to South Dakota and Clayton rejoined his family in 1946 upon his discharge from the U.S.Navy. The family moved to Onida, SD where Clayton was employed by the Sexauer Elevator. In 1949 the family moved to Pierre where Clayton was employed as an accountant and deliveryman for the Pierre Farmer's Union. In 1950 Clayton began his thirty-year career as a mail carrier for the Post Office, taking the postal carrier's creed, "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat,nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" to heart. With the addition of Mary Ann and Jim to the family, a larger house was needed. They purchased the house on N. Harrison where they lived for 48 years, until, for health reasons,they moved first to Kelly's Assisted Living in Pierre and later to Brookview Manor in Brookings where they were close to son James and his wife Louise. After his "retirement" in 1980, Clayton worked, first as a volunteer, then as a paid employee, at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center where he enjoyed sharing his South Dakota hospitality with travelers from around the world. After Jean's retirement in 1982, both were so actively involved in community organizations, activities, and travel that his family told them that never while they were working was it necessary to check to see if they were going to be home. After their were children grown, they traveled to Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, Egypt, and Israel. These trips were a little fancier than those first family trips they made with their small children and a tent. The Tetons were one of their favorite destinations. As they grew older, they loved taking Bank West's tours to Michigan, Minnestoa and the country music shows at Branson. Clayton and Jean enjoyed the time they spent on "digs" as members of the Middle Missouri Archaeological Society. He was president of Golden K Kiwanis Club, and also served as president of the local chapter of NARFE two terms. He was chaplain of the local American Legion. He served on many committees at the United Methodist Church, including the Administrative Board, The Board of Trustees and the Missions Committee. In January 1998 he was recognized as Bank West's Senior Celebrity for his many years of giving back to his community. His most significant contribution however, was given to his family: showing his children and grandchildren how to be a wonderful husband and father, just by being the kind of man he was. The family has never had any doubt about the love that he and Jean shared for 66 years. They loved to travel all over and as long as they were able, if there was a play, concert, graduation, for a child or grandchild, they attended. He and Jean were always there for their children and each other. Clayton is survived by his wife Jean, two sons - Dennis and Shirley Coull of Black Hawk, SD; James and Louise Coull of Brookings, SD; two daughters- Pat and Doug Engebretson, Belle Fourche, SD ; Mary Ann Doucette and George Clem of Leominster, MA; 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; a brother, Harold Coull of Fremont, CA; two sisters, Shirley Varilek and Caroline Sorensen both of Pierre; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Vernon; two young sisters, Violet Mea and Maxine; and a grandson, Otto Engebretson. Burial will take place at Scotty Philip Cemetery in Ft. Pierre.

Photos

Family

Parents

Spouse

Siblings

Export GEDCOM

This person only · Entire connected family