Clayton E. Sparrow, 72, of Helena, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home on Wednesday, January 12, 2011.
Clayton was born in Helena on October 24, 1938 to Merlin and Florence Dorrell Sparrow. He graduated from Helena High School in 1957 and went on to serve in the Army National Guard. After returning home from the Army, Clayton started his plumbing apprenticeship with the Reber Company in 1960. He married Donna Hanson and had two kids, Doug and Tammy. Clayton and Donna later divorced. His sister Shirley introduced him to her good friend Arlene McNett and they later married in 1969. Out of this marriage, Clayton gained a daughter, Gordi Ann, and two sons, Allen and Fred. Together they conceived their son, Richard. Clayton continued his plumbing career, running jobs throughout the state, settling back in Helena and working for the School District for 16 years. He was a plumber for 45 years. Also, he and Arlene ran a “Ma & Pops” grocery store along with storage units outside their home for 17 years. After retiring from the School District, Clayton began his career as a master truck driver and equipment operator with his son Richard at Sparrow Enterprises.
In Clayton’s younger years he enjoyed backpacking on horses and many motorcycle adventures. He loved to watch NASCAR and even got to drive one. He enjoyed his daily coffee and B.S. sessions with the boys, road trips with friends, and playing pinochle, but what he treasured most was spending time with his grandchildren; giving rides on the 4-wheeler or watching them participate in various events and sports.
Clayton is survived by his wife, Arlene; daughters Tammy (Gary) Baxter; and Gordi (Chuck) Maynard; sons Doug Sparrow; Fred (Tami) Pippin; Allen Pippin; and Richard (Jenn) Sparrow; grandchildren; Mandy and Wes Tegg; Nick (Melissa) Pippin; Chelsey Pippin; Mike (Amber) Jungers; Josh (Nicole) Jungers; Tara Siewrt; Nathan Baxter; Austin and Chance Sparrow; Morgan Pippin; and Kase and Jaden Sparrow; 10 great grandchildren and one on the way; numerous nieces and nephews and an endless list of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley Holom, grandson Kenny Pippin; sister-in-law Eunice Newel, and long time friend and motorcycle buddy Don Didriksen.
Please join us for a reception and celebration of Clayton’s life on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 4:00 to 6:00pm at the Helena Valley Community Center on Tizer Road. Memorial donations may be sent to Helena Valley Community Center, 4111 Helberg Drive, Helena, MT 59602 or memorial of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Barbara Hovis says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Tammy and Doug and your families
Bart & Trish says
Dear Doug, Richard & families.
We are very sorry to hear about your loss of Clayton.
Our Thoughts & Prayers are with all of you during this time. Love Bart & Trish
Butch and Donna Reed says
Arlene, please know our hearts are with you and your family. Clayton was a special kind of person, and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Cj Johnson says
Arlene, I’m so sorry for your loss. We did have great times, and will always cherish the memories.
Your friend, Cj (Eriksen)
Clay Pipinich Family says
We’re sorry for your loss, and we’re sending our condolences. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need help with anything.
DAN & FLO JENKINS says
We are so sorry that we aren’t are not able to be there for you. Clayton meant a great deal to us. Our hearts are with you during this sad difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help out.a
Jan Rieber says
My family and I were shocked and saddened when we heard of Clayton’s passing. We had the pleasure of his company on several Nebraska trips when he accompanied Doug Ludtke. Clayton was a joy to be around and we were always glad when he could be a part of our week in Columbus. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sincerely,
John W. and Michele Rieber
Chris and Holly Rieber
Cory Rieber
Jan Rieber
Kathy Johnston & Mike Noble says
Richard, Jenn, and Family: We send our condolences for your loss. We will always remember our time spent at the NASCAR races with Clayton and how much fun he was to be around. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.
Lance & Megan says
Richard, Jen, Doug and kids: We’re so sorry about the loss of Clayton. Our hearts go out to all of you in this difficult time.
Lance, Megan and boys.
Mr. and Mrs. Myrlin Schatz and Family says
Your Family is in our prayers.
God Bless.
Rhonda Strainer says
Dear Richard and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. You will be in my prayers during this very sad time.
Rhonda Strainer-Score
Roger Hovis says
Doug and Tammy,
My most sincere condolences during your time of loss.
Sheldon says
Sheldon Stoner says
So sorry to hear of Clayton’s passing. He and I were great friends in high school.
Tonya Rosling says
Dear Auntie and Family,
Your in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.