Virginia Beach – Kenneth I. Clayton, 92, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by love, on July 27, 2022. Preceded in death by his parents, Stanley B and W Dorothy, his wife, Beverly, and his oldest son Kenneth, Jr, Ken leaves cherished memories among his children, Kathryn (Tim) Halbur, Elisabeth (Craig) Johnson, Steven (Joanne) Clayton, nine precious grandchildren, and his two beloved great-grandsons. Ken’s family meant the world to him; likewise, Ken means the world to them. Having taught his family so much about unconditional love, the memory of Ken’s loyalty, kindness, generosity, and devotion to them will forever be in their hearts.

Ken was born December 28, 1929, and was raised in Willow Grove, PA, where he graduated as Valedictorian of his class from Upper Moreland High School. He then attended Drexel University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. After college, Ken served in the Army from 1955-1957. After his military service, Ken moved his young family to Columbus, OH, where he worked in aerospace for North American Aviation. His work at NAA on the B-1 Bomber was a particular source of pride for him. While at NAA, he received a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from The Ohio State University. In 1979, Ken’s career took him to Dayton, OH. He enjoyed working as a research engineer at the University of Dayton Research Institute. While at UDRI, Ken worked with an esteemed team from UDRI, the military, NASA, and private industry. He proudly administered the first High Temple Workshop (High Temperature Polymeric Laminate) at the NASA/White Sands Test Facility, New Mexico, in May 1982. With annual workshops still ongoing, Ken’s family takes enormous pride in this legacy of Ken’s (https://hightemple.udri.udayton.edu/Pages/History.html). After retirement, Ken and his wife moved to Sandbridge, VA’s east coast beach community in 1993. He lived out his remaining years, enjoying frequent walks along the beach and countless visits from family and friends.

The family is planning a private celebration of Ken’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad Boosters (https://sandbridgeboosters.com/) or Freda H. Gordon Hospice (https://lhcgroup.com/locations/freda-h-gordon-hospice/).