//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/018/118567/118567-life-panel.jpg

Clayton Gaff

March 24, 1972 - September 13, 2017
Kendallville, IN

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/018/118567/118567-01.jpg

Share



 

Life Story / Obituary


//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/018/118567/118567-02.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/018/118567/118567-03.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/018/118567/118567-04.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/018/118567/118567-05.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/download-memory-folder.jpg
Print

Playful, stubborn, and passionate, Clayton Gaff lived a life rich in family and friends. A devoted family man and friend, Clayton was quick to offer his help, share his gifts, and inspire laughter in the hearts of those who knew him best. Though his years were far too few, Clayton’s powerful legacy will surely live on in the hearts and lives of those he loved.

At first glance the major events of 1972 could be that Mark Spitz won seven gold medals, the first digital watches and scientific hand-held calculators were introduced, and Atari released its epic video game--PONG. For those who are more discerning in their definition of what was most important that year, the birth of Clayton Hugh Gaff on March 24th would certainly be at the top of the list. As Lester and Cynthia (Halferty) Gaff welcomed their much-anticipated son into their hearts and lives, little did they know the impact Clayton would have on so many.

Growing up in Rome City, Indiana during the 70s and 80s, Clayton’s early years were influenced not only by his parents, who were general laborers for local factories but also by the massive cultural changes of the times. As the US ended its involvement in Vietnam and both the women’s rights and civil rights movements reached many of their goals, the media dramatically reflected the era of change. Television aired pure escapism for the first time in new sitcoms like Three’s Company and Happy Days while also introducing the talk show where formerly taboo subjects like politics, drugs, and sex were freely discussed and analyzed. Radio stations quit playing folk songs, and the airwaves rang out with the new sounds of hard rock, heavy metal, and punk music. On the big screen, Rambo violently rallied against established rules and proved that good will always win over evil.

Having inherited a distinct orneriness, Clayton was naturally a huge fan of the power of the heavy metal music and horror flicks that were common in his youth. The rowdy images, huge riffs, and macho lyrics of Metallica, Nickelback, Poison, and AC/DC were always a sure hit with Clayton. Steven King’s The Shining and A Nightmare on Elmstreet paved the way for a lifelong love of horror movies which lead to his love of the movies Saw and The Walking Dead TV series later in life. All things zombie were a definite interest too.

After graduating from East Noble High School in 1990, Clayton pursued his education at ITT in Fort Wayne where he graduated with a degree in electronic engineering technology in 1992. With his education and strong work ethic as a firm foundation, Clayton worked for Color Master in Butler for 23 years.

Clayton had numerous collections that reflected many of his passions. He loved collecting skulls and anything with wolves on it including figurines, blankets, and rings. He had an interest in guns and amassed a fine collection that included his favorite, a Magnum Research 1911. Clayton was also a big pro football fan. He could unhesitatingly share the history and latest stats of his beloved Indianapolis Colts and favorite player, Peyton Manning.

Though Clayton could appear quiet or aloof at first glance, once he was familiar with people, he was often the life of the party. With a disarmingly perverse sense of humor that simultaneously unnerved and entertained people, Clayton easily inspired laughter everywhere he went. Regardless of his ornery nature, those who knew him best will attest to how he always unhesitatingly offered his support to those he loved.

In 1999, Clayton had the good fortune of going out on a first date with his ex-wife Belinda’s friend, Denise.

Clayton took Denise to Snicker’s Comedy Bar that fateful night and as Denise says with great affection, “it was all downhill from there!” The two fell in love and married on August 18, 2001, in Albion, Indiana. In Denise’s good loving, Clayton found a sense of companionship and comfort that filled his heart; this was often evidenced by the enormous smile he wore when in her good company. Together, Clayton and Denise enjoyed the gifts of the simple things like sharing the affections of their treasured dogs, Pepper and Foxy, and shooting.

Whether blasting his favorite tunes, going to the show with his horror movies buddy, Lisa, tending to his home, searching for the latest wolf laden treasure, curling up with Denise and the dogs, or cracking his buddies up, Clayton lived life fully.

Without a doubt, the world feels most uncertain in the face of Clayton’s sudden absence. May it afford deep comfort to share our memories of Clayton’s robust spirit and hardy laughter as we begin to do the hard work of living without the companionship we’ve long relied on. May we also remember that the best way we can honor the gift of Clayton’s life is to proudly carry his legacy forward; crank up the radio, enjoy a scary movie, nail a few bull’s eyes, and enjoy each moment. In this way, Clayton’s spirit will continue to live on in each of our hearts and lives.

Clayton Hugh Gaff, age 45, died unexpectedly at his residence on Wednesday, September 13, 2017. Clayton was born in Kendallville, Indiana on March 24, 1972, to Lester Warren Gaff (deceased) and Cynthia Sue (Halferty) Gaff. Survivors include: Wife, Denise Gaff of Kendallville. Mother, Cindy Gaff of Rome City. Brother, Jeremy and Tammy Gaff of Phoenix, Arizona. Grandparents, Marion “Bud” and Nancy Halferty of Albion. Grandmother, Helen Bauman of Albion. Sister-in-law, Lisa Terry of Kendallville. Sister-in-law, Lynn Leitch of Woodbridge, Virginia. Niece, Alexis Terry, and nephew, Nick Terry both of Kendallville. Niece, Tandra Fisher of Butler and nephew, T.J. Fisher of Waterloo.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 2:00 – 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home with Pastor Regan Ford officiating.Memorial donations may be made to the Noble County Humane Society.Share a memory or send a condolence online at www.hitefuneralhome.com

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/018/118567/118567-02.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/018/118567/118567-03.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/018/118567/118567-04.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/018/118567/118567-05.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/download-memory-folder.jpg