Donel was born to the union of Dana and Eddie Clayton, Sr., on May 15, 1995.

He came into the world making his mark and taking his rightful position as the youngest of five children. His family would lovingly refer to him as Smooch Pooch or Weiny in his youthful years. Some of his favorite things to do were watching Power Rangers, and Pokemon. He carried Woody (Toy Story) around with him everywhere he went, until Woody’s landing on top of the roof (India). He loved the outdoors, playing with Eddie, Jr., and childhood friends. He formed bonds that lasted a lifetime. Donel was a caring child who often cooked breakfast for his older siblings, he would help around the house, and do outside chores, like cutting the grass, etc.

As a family, we attended Mount Gillion Baptist Church on a regular basis. Donel accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. F.L. Brown. He was an active member and participated in the Children’s Choir, the Red Circle, and traveled with the youth to Church Conventions/Conferences.

Donel attended the Bedford School System, where he achieved academic excellence and maintained an A and B average throughout High School. Donel was very creative, he expressed these talents in many ways. He began playing the Snare Drum in Junior High School. His family would often hear him making beats throughout the house. He continued playing the Snare Drum until he fell in love with the game of Football.

Donel always wanted to be around his older brother/friend Eddie. Eddie was playing football, Donel wanted to play football as well.

Donel advanced to the Varsity team in his sophomore year. He played the position of Corner and played Receiver. He went on to play football at Ohio Dominican University, where his team won a Championship ring.

In addition to his love for football, he loved game nights and cooking for family gatherings. He was affectionately known as the Grill Master. He also enjoyed listening to old school music and going to the parks to hear the sounds of nature for peace of mind. Donel absolutely loved his children Milan, Maliyah, and Ty’heir. He spent endless hours teaching and playing with his children, they were his world. He was a great Dad to his children.

He started working at the age of 16. Occasionally, he would work for his sister during the holidays at H&M. Donel always respected the elderly and loved their wit of wisdom. He became a private home health aide, and an STNA for Cleveland Clinic. Donel was also a licensed insurance agent. He began a career alongside his father as a Crane Operator at AM CASTLE Metals. Simultaneously, Donel was attending Keratin Barber College. Shortly after graduating from barber college, Donel decided to take a leap of faith and become a barber full time at RIVAL Barber Lounge. He enjoyed the brotherhood of his fellow barbers.

Donel’s boundless energy and enthusiasm for life was contagious and his generosity knew no bounds. He was a pillar of strength and support for his family, friends, and community, always ready with a listening ear and helping hand.

His dedication to excellence and tireless work ethic was evident in everything he pursued, inspiring all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Donel’s life ended as we know it on Easter Sunday morning, March 31, 2024. He was 28 years old.

Donel was preceded in death by Eddie F. Clayton, grandfather, and aunts, Schnee Gailes, and Sonya Clayton.

Donel leaves to cherish his memory, his children Milan, Maliyah (Diamond), and Ty’heir (LaShawn), his parents Dana and Eddie Clayton, Sr., sister India, and brothers Eddie, Jr., Demetrius Sr., and Demereis. Grandparents Callie Clayton, Daniel and Ida Sue Morgan, Uncles: Anthony, Alphonzo, Daniel Jr. (Tokyo), aunts: Suzie, Michelle, Danelle, and Danielle, nieces, Devionna, A’mari, Imani, Nephews: Devin, Legend, Donte, Demetrius, Jr., and Eddie, III and a host of other relatives and friends.

While his presence will be greatly missed his spirit will live on in all of us.

Humbly Submitted, The Clayton Family