Clayton Hays Burkholder

Clayton Hays Burkholder, 96, of Hagerstown, MD, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025. Born on December 23, 1928, he was the son of the late Elwood McLaughlin Burkholder, Sr. and Rebecca Jane Worthington Burkholder.

Clayton is preceded in death by his first wife, Lillian Viola (Renner) Burkholder; second wife, Vivian Jeanette (Renner) Burkholder; daughter, Donna K. Burkholder; brother, Elwood M. Burkholder, Jr. and sister, Lucille M. Fisher.

Clayton served the community for 70 years in the grocery business. He started at H.L. Mills which became Grand Union Supermarket in Hagerstown. Then he managed the two store locations in Halfway. He managed the store until the chain closed. He later reopened the store, as owner, in Halfway as Old Orchard Supermarket and later owned Community Supermarket on Baltimore Street where he first started with H.L. Mills. He finished his career with Martins.

Clayton was a proud Air Force veteran, having served in Korea. He became the Historian for the local Korean War Veterans Chapter 312. He compiled multiple books about the war and local soldiers that had served. He also made model planes and provided photos that are on display at the Korean Museum at Fort Richie. He was a long-time member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. He had a large coin collection which he shared with his grandchildren when the 50 state quarters were released. Clayton was very gregarious, he belonged to the Elks Club, Lion’s Club of Halfway, Alsatia Club, with which he walked as parade marshall for many years, and the American Legion Post 42 on Northern Avenue.

Clayton is survived by his children, Clayton “Chuck” Burkholder, Brian Burkholder (Sherrie), Lisa Hutzel (Ronald), and Patti Moats (David); grandchildren, Donnie, Michelle, Caitlin, Haley, Jeremy, Jennifer, Jeffery, Krystal, and Melissa; twenty-two great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchilden; many nieces and nephews; and good friend, Chip Stickler.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Korean Veteran Chapter 312, scholarship fund, in Funkstown, MD.

A viewing will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742. The funeral service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 101 S. Prospect St., Hagerstown, MD 21740 April, 8, 2025 at 1100 a.m.. Interment with military honors will follow at Rest Haven Cemetery. A reception will be held at St. John's Trimble Hall following services.