Clayton was born February 20, 1979, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He attended elementary school in Portales, NM, and secondary school in both Dora and Floyd, NM. He enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball. During high school, Clayton attended New Mexico Boys State and won several state and national awards for his artwork. He graduated from Floyd High School in 1997 and attended Eastern New Mexico University the following year.

Clayton moved to Duluth, Minnesota, during a winter storm in December 2000. He was steadfastly determined to give Minnesota weather a year to convince him to stay. Although he left a piece of his heart in New Mexico and eagerly anticipated his New Mexican spicy food packages, Minnesota became his home for the last 22 years.

Clayton married the love of his life, Rachel, in Las Vegas, NV, on May 28, 2022, and in addition to that union, acquired two bonus daughters, Sophia and Ava.

He had a successful career at 3M Corporation, where as a customer service representative, he used his ever-present charm and quick wit to soothe even the most challenging situations.

He was an avid fisherman, dedicated softball player, and fan of Minnesota Twins baseball. He never lost his love for the Dallas Cowboys and could be spotted in his blue and silver in a crowd of Vikings fans.

Clayton, Rachel, and the girls enjoyed traveling across the country and abroad.

He is survived by his wife, Rachel; daughters, Sophia and Ava; sons, Kersey and Kolby; parents, Denise and Julian Burnett of Portales, NM; sisters, LaDawna (Brandon) Brooks and Shana Hernandez; nephew, Adam Swisher; nieces: Miya Hernandez, Brianna, Kambri, and Isabelle Brooks, all of Portales; grandmothers, Patsy Swisher of Los Lunas, NM, and Fern Rhodes of Portales; and his beloved German Shepherd, Max.

Clayton was preceded in death by his father, Randy Swisher; grandfathers: Dinzle Edmond Bryant, Max Burnett, Abe Swisher, and Herman Rhodes; and grandmother, Mary Burnett.

Memorial Service, 2:00 PM, Sunday October 2, 2022 with at visitation one hour before at Henry W. Anderson Mortuary, 14850 Garrett Ave., Apple Valley.