The family of CPO Clayton Schenkelberg has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Clayton was born on Oct. 17 1917. He learned hardship early in life. His mother died when he was 9, the stock market crashed when he was 12, triggering the great depression. His father died when he was 17. His older brother was in the Navy so he followed along with him and joined the Navy. Clayton was 103 years old when he passed.
Clayton joined the Navy in 1937 and retired in 1967 as a chief petty officer. Clayton served in WWII. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor. He belonged to the Pearl Harbor Survivors association for many years, since 1984. He said on Dec. 7th. 1941 he was supposed to spend the day with his girlfriend. Needless to say, that didn’t happen. He did end up marrying her for a mere 74 years. Clayton also served in Korea and Vietnam.
After retiring from the Navy, he went to work for the San Diego school district for twenty years as head custodian for a number of the local schools.
Clayton is survived by five out of his seven children. He had 42 great, great, great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Alithea of 74 years and two sons, Barry and James.
SPECIAL NOTE: The flag that will be presented to the family (folded by the Navy at his service) was taken to Pearl Harbor and flown over Hickem field for two days, then taken to the USS Arizona and flown for two days. It was then taken to the USS Columbia (the ship Clayton was on) for two more days.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the Lady of Grace Church to Miramar National Cemetery. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: Please observe the latest COVID-19. Face coverings are required.
Time Table for Thursday, 06 May, 20211100- Stage at Our Lady of Grace Church. 2766 Navajo Rd. El Cajon, Ca. 92020
https://goo.gl/maps/tBLfvzim4JSXfGrCA1125- Mission briefing
1145- flag line from church to coach
1200- KSU to Miramar National Cemetery 5795 Nobel Dr. San Diego 92112
https://goo.gl/maps/7jEqBqSxukGwuVqy51230 Arrive at Miramar
1300- Full military honors
R/C: Ken Brassellkenbrassell@gmail.com
619-333-9685
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed by the Rid Captain (R/C). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
