Clayton E. Rudd Jr. passed peacefully at home Wednesday, December 14, 2022, with his loving wife by his side. Clayton was born May 28, 1956 in Ridgewood, WV to Helen Simmons (Starcher) of Salesville and the late Clayton E. Rudd Sr.
Clayton was raised in Guernsey County and was a 1974 graduate of Meadowbrook High School and Muskingum Area Joint Vocational School. Growing up Clayton was a guitar player, participating in the American Guild of Music National Championship Contests, an avid hunter and trapper, and later could be found playing (or hustling) pool with friends in Buffalo.
Clayton attended Muskingum Technical College, graduating with an Associate of Applied Science. In his early career he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration at the Zanesville, Ohio Sector Field Office where he was recognized with a Special Achievement Award in 1975. Later he worked at NCR, Dana Corporation, and was a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 196 out of Amarillo, Texas.
In his community, Clayton was a Mason (Byesville Lodge), a member of the Lore City Fire Department, a multi-year City Council member, and Mayor of Lore City. He was also an avid supporter of the Guernsey County Junior Fair. However, his greatest enjoyment was being a self-declared member of the "Antique Mafia". Clayton was an avid and knowledgeable antique collector and dealer, who was often consulted by other individuals in Ohio and beyond. He had a particular love for old blanket boxes and would regularly drag another one home, much to the chagrin of his wife.
Perhaps his greatest legacy is the love he had for his family. Clayton met his wife, Lee Ann Rudd (Gadd) and married on August 23, 1980. Together they had a daughter, Candace Rudd (Riddle), and later a grandson, Kade Riddle, with whom he enjoyed many adventures. He could often be found building a tree-house, planting a garden, mowing a lawn, moving his daughter from one point to the next, or teaching a new skill to those he loved. Regardless of the question, Clayton was the one the entire family called for an answer. His quick wit, gift for gab, and imagination made every day just a little more whimsical for all those who knew him.
Clayton is survived by his wife Lee Ann Rudd (Gadd), daughter Candace Rudd (Riddle) and grandson Kade Riddle, mother Helen Simmons (Starcher) and her husband Junior Simmons. He was preceded in death by his father Clayton Rudd Sr.
Visitation will be at Bundy-Law Funeral Home on Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 2 pm to 4 pm and on Monday from 10 am to 12 pm with the service to begin at 12pm. Pastor Clayton Coffey will officiate with burial to follow in Friends Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the family at gofundme.com/f/clayton-e-rudd-jr or mailed to 120 N 11th Street Cambridge, Ohio 43725. Clayton's online guest book may be viewed and signed at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com .