Clayton H. Eads passed away peacefully on Feb. 15, 2026 to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Clayton was born Mar. 5, 1944, in Shawnee, OK to Clayton “Happy” Eads and Lena Pearl (Barnes) Eads.
During high school, he met his future wife, Judy Shelton, at a Rock Creek Baptist Church event, and on Mar. 23, 1968, they were married there. He served in the US Army Reserves from 1963 to 1969.
Clayton developed a strong work ethic beginning in his youth. From delivering for a local drugstore to working in retail for Romberg’s Clothing Store and Shawnee Western Wear, customer service was always at the top of his mind.
In 1973, he started building custom homes in the South Rock Creek and surrounding areas. As a certified home builder, his business practices were rooted in quality, honesty, trust, and integrity. He deeply loved his family and invested wholeheartedly in time with them, no matter the occasion, from sports to dance recitals.
As a long-term OU season ticket holder, he was thrilled to watch his oldest granddaughter participate on the field, shooting the guns, or riding on the schooner.
He loved traveling to all parts of the world and his annual hunting trips. He even shot his last elk this past October. He also enjoyed farming, ranching and cultivating crops.
He was honored to be a part of the Canadian Valley Electric Board of Trustees since 1978. He proudly served on various boards, including the Shawnee Excise Board, the Shawnee Economical Development Board, and was a proud friend to Oklahoma Baptist University.
Those left to cherish his legacy are his wife of 57 years, Judy Shelton Eads of the home; his daughters and sons-in-law: Melissa and Brian Mahaffey of Shawnee, OK and Melanie and Jon Arnett of Shawnee, OK; his grandchildren: Abigail and Allyson Mahaffey of Norman, OK, Kimrey Arnett and Jayce Arnett of Edmond, OK, Emma Kaye and Myla Arnett of Shawnee, OK, his brother, Clinton “Gene” Eads of Victoria, TX and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister and brother-in-law, Cricket and Donn Romberg.
A special thank you is extended to the team at OU Health.
In lieu of flowers, consider donations to St. Jude and the American Heart Association.
A memorial will be held at 2 pm, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 at Rock Creek Baptist Church Shawnee with graveside service to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.
