Clayton H. Eads

Clayton H. Eads passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026 to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Clayton was born March 5, 1944, in Shawnee, OK to Clayton "Happy" Eads and Lena Pearl (Barnes) Eads.

At 11 years of age, Clayton accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior and became a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. During high school, he met his future wife, Judy Shelton, at a Rock Creek Baptist Church event, and on March 23, 1968, they were married there. He served in the US Army Reserve from 1963 to 1969.

Later, they welcomed their first daughter, Melissa, and then their daughter, Melanie. They raised their family and were devoted members at Rock Creek Baptist Church.

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. He became a certified home builder and his business practices were rooted in quality, honesty, trust, and integrity. His work frequently led him to build for repeat customers and even for multiple generations within the same family - a testament to the trust he earned. He took great pride in the expertise and relationships he built with his customers and subcontractor teams. Additionally, he enjoyed land development and building storage facilities.

As a father to two daughters, he found himself doing all sorts of fun, new things and was still able to pass down his love of the outdoors, cars, and sports. He also instilled a love for traveling, road trips, and adventure.

He deeply loved his family and invested wholeheartedly in time with them, no matter the occasion, from sports to dance recitals. He showed up faithfully to support his children and grandchildren.

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 often took these trips when the winter months came, while business was slower. He enjoyed taking his annual hunting trips with friends and family and even shot his last elk this past October.

He continually sought knowledge and met each challenge with enthusiasm. He also enjoyed farming, ranching and cultivating crops.

Clayton valued personal relationships and invested in the community he loved and raised his family in.

As a forward thinker, he was so honored to be a part of the Canadian Valley Electric Board of Trustees since 1978. He took pride in representing his district to ensure that the service would improve life and serve the community. He proudly served on various boards throughout his career, including the Shawnee Excise Board, the Shawnee Economical Development Board, and was a proud friend to Oklahoma Baptist University.

Those left to carry on his legacy are his wife of 57 years, Judy Shelton Eads of the home, his daughters and sons-in-law, Melissa & Brian Mahaffey of Shawnee, OK and Melanie & Jon Arnett of Shawnee, OK, his grandchildren: Abigail Mahaffey of Norman, OK, Allyson Mahaffey of Norman, OK, Kimrey Arnett of Edmond, OK, 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.

Clayton will be remembered as a mentor and a lifelong inspiration to family and friends.

A special thank you is extended to the team at OU Health.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude and the American Heart Association may be considered.

A memorial ceremony will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, February 20, 2026 at Rock Creek Baptist Church Shawnee with graveside service to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.