Clayton R. Linebarger, 81, passed away on November 22, 2022 at St. Peter’s Hospital. He was born in Jordan, Montana, on May 21, 1941, to Pearl (Graham) and Elmer Linebarger. He grew up in Fort Peck, Montana where he spoke fondly of his childhood as a “Fort Pecker”.
At age 12, Clayton and his family moved to Helena, Montana. In 1959, he graduated from Helena High School where he was a tremendous athlete earning eight varsity letters in football, basketball, and track, and an American Legion Baseball short stop where his batting average record lasted 52 years.
Clayton, an All-State football player, was a 1958 Teen Magazine All-American and played in the East-West Shrine game. His full-ride football scholarship at Montana State ended with a knee injury his freshman year.
Not only were his athletic accomplishments recognized as a 2004 Helena Sports Hall of Fame inductee, but his huge personality was also well-known. He was selected to give a speech at his 1959 Helena High graduation.
Clayton married Betty (Smith) Rowe in 1961. They raised three kids, Duane, Clete, and Katie. They later divorced. While he was still in college, he worked as a campus cop. Clayton earned his education degree from MSU in 1972. His children enjoyed spending summers with their dad and he traveled great distances to support them and to attend their many sporting events.
After college, he served as the State Recreational Director where he co-founded the original Governor’s Cup Race in 1974. He also worked as a Farm Bureau insurance agent, State Fair manager, and a Universal Athletic sales rep. He was employed by the Montana Department of Transportation until his retirement in 2009.
Clayton’s love of sports continued with coaching and playing slow pitch softball for 34 years, coaching Helena youth baseball and football, and an assistant coach for the Helena High fastpitch program.
He volunteered as the 1977 National High School Rodeo Awards Committee Chairman, East-West Shrine game selection committee, Helena School Board member, and a starter for many high school track meets.
When it came to community service, Clayton was most proud of his fund-raising abilities that helped build softball complexes in Bozeman and Helena, the Frank Ursich weight room, the Frank Mihelish softball field, and the Vigilante Stadium all-weather track.
Clayton was a one-of-a-kind guy with a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He loved his family, the Helena High Bengals and MSU Bobcats, going to rodeos and horse races, fishing and hunting, playing cards and teasing family at holidays, drinking a g-ball back in the day and telling a good joke.
He always had a friendly smile when he ran into old friends and he would strike up a conversation with complete strangers that usually began with “where did you get that ugly hat (Griz hat)?” or “did you use to ride my school bus?”
Preceding him in death were his parents, a sister, Eileen Heath, and a sister, Deloris Freyler.
Survivors include his sons, Duane Rowe and Clete Linebarger (Sherri) of Bozeman, a daughter Katie Vandolah (Doug) of Choteau, his grandchildren, Tay Rowe, Conner and Lexi Linebarger, Lindsey Vandolah and Ashley (Brett) Kuca, and great-grandchild, Millie Kuca.
He is also survived by Candy Savage of Helena, and her daughters, Dionne Brass of Helena and Gail Bowen (Michael), of Portland, Oregon and their children Leo, Henry, and Samuel.
Clayton will also be missed by his kids, his extended family, several nieces and nephews, and his many great life-long friends, too numerous to mention.
Memorials can be sent to the Helena Sports Hall of Fame, PO Box 6302, Helena, MT 59604
A Celebration of Life for Clayton will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at the Helena Regional Airport Event and Conference Center (2nd floor with elevator access) at 2850 Mercer Loop, Helena, MT.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday May 27, 2023
Helena Regional Airport Event and Conference Center
2850 Mercer Loop
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday May 27, 2023
Helena Regional Airport Event and Conference Center
2850 Mercer Loop
Helena, Montana 59601
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DEAN RETZ says
I am so happy that a few weeks ago, I was able to see Clayton and have a Glance at The Past ad in the local paper about him! I went to school with him, watched him excel in all sports. And not to long ago, I always saw Clayton at all the high school softball games, so was able to visit with him. We would always share memories. GOD BLESS.
Donna Finstad says
Clayton was always smiling….made everyone around him smile….he will be missed by so many but also remembered by all his classmates. We went to Central School….not sure when he arrived, but everyone liked him. I’m glad that he came to the last reunion.
Wally Peel says
Clayton was a friend to all. It was truly an honor to know him. An amazing athlete, and member of the Helena Sports Hall of Fame, Clayton’s performances in football, basketball and track made us all proud to be wearing the Red and White colors of the Brawny Bengals of Helena High. To the Linebarger family may peace and comfort be yours during this difficult time.
Wally Peel
Thomas Juhl says
Clayton always made you feel like a friend with that warm smile, that is the look I will remember. Condolences to the Linebarger family……..
Jeffrey Cory says
Clayton was a good guy new him all my life. Great athlete. Haven’t seen him for few months, but will remember him
Ron Iverson says
To the Linebarger family: I was depressed to see a notice of Clayton’s passing in the IR, Clayton was definitely one of the giants in Helena sports folklore. Although we went to MSU (Go Bobcats) at the same time, I didn’t really get to know him until I moved to Helena. He was always a great guy to be around and visit with. We will miss him, even though these last few years were tough on him. But, he was a fighter and proved it every day. Ron
Henry Flatow says
I was the first-person Clayton met when he moved to Helena from Fort Peck, when he was about 12. We lived on the same block on Leslie Avenue. We remained close friends throughout his life. Clayton would always ask how my wife and kids were doing. He was always concerned for others. I will miss him.
Kathy McGowan says
Oh, my gosh! Sorry to hear. I got to know Clayton while working for Governor Judge. There was no mistaking that it was Clayton coming down the hall. His giggle preceded him. And through him I got to know Pete Gilligan. What a pair!
Jackie Lloyd says
Sorry to hear of Clayton passing. I went to school with him and also worked with him. One of the best.
Jackie Lloyd
Tom Fleming says
I knew Clayton from grade school when we played baseball for HADA until I joined the Navy in 1960. He was one of the best athletes Helena produced but also a great guy.
John Cherie Dahl says
Clayton was a friend for many years. Not only was he an outstanding athlete but a great person as well. Thoughts and prayers 🙏 go out to the family.
Donna Anders Hodgson says
Kind, caring, compassionate – those are the words one always used when speaking of Clayton. Although he was a great athlete and popular with his classmates, these words describe what a wonderful person he truly was. My husband Rod (from out of state) only met Clayton at reunions and when we would bump into each other when visiting Helena, also shares these memories of him. Clayton, you were a very special friends to one and all.
Fran says
Praying for your comfort, Candy.
blessings,
Fran
Dori Lynn Wetherelt says
Thoughts and prayers to Clayton’s family.
I worked with him at MDT. He was always smiling and joking. Everyone enjoyed his stories and laughter.
God bless and keep you all
Kermit Young says
I was a “Bobcat” basketball player 1961-65. Clayt worked in the training room with Marshall cook putting on ankle wraps and taping. I got to know Clayt quite well. He was a hard worker, had a great personality and was a GREAT FELLOW BOBCAT!!!!! GOD BLESS CLAYT LINEBARGER!!!
Kermit Young