Cdr. (Retired) Clayton Mitchell Simmons, 97, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 12, 2026. Born on February 14, 1929, in Orleans, Nebraska, he was the beloved son of Harold and Grace Simmons (both deceased). He was also preceded in death by his brother, Richard, and his stepmother, Gladys, both of whom he remembered with affection throughout his life.

Clayton is survived by his devoted wife of seventy years, Marilyn Clarece (Lundberg) Simmons, with whom he shared a lifetime of partnership, laughter, and adventure. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Jean Simpson; sister-in-law, Barbara Simmons; his children - Kathleen Liotta (Rick), Christie Gleason (Robert "Jackie"), Diana LeRoy (Robert), Barbara Simmons, Brent Simmons (Angela), and Candy Smith (Ken); nineteen grandchildren; twenty‑eight great‑grandchildren; two great‑great‑grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who adored him. To each of them, he was not only a patriarch, but a steady, loving presence who offered wisdom, humor, and unwavering support.

Clayton grew up in Orleans and graduated from Orleans High School before attending Kearney State College where he received a bachelor's in education. His love of learning and natural curiosity stayed with him throughout his life. During his naval career, he completed the General Line School course at the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey, California - an accomplishment of which he was quietly proud.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in the early 1950s at Hastings and went on to become a Naval Aviator in 1953. Flying was not just his profession; it was his passion. As a carrier pilot, he served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and was aboard the USS Enterprise during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His assignments took him around the world. He served with integrity, humility, and a deep sense of duty.

Over the years, Clayton earned numerous medals and flight safety awards, including the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Navy Achievement Medal, Korean and United Nations Service Medals, Armed Forces and Navy Expeditionary Medals (Cuba), Vietnam Service Medal (three stars), and the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross). Yet he rarely spoke of these honors unless asked - he believed the true measure of service was in doing the job well and taking care of the people beside you.

His aviation career spanned 41 years, 14,400 flight hours, and 362 carrier landings aboard eleven different U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. After retiring from the Navy, Captain Simmons continued flying with Ross Aviation until 1991, piloting FH‑227 and DC‑nine aircraft for the U.S. Department of Energy. He approached this second career with the same professionalism and quiet confidence that defined his life.

In retirement, Clayton and Clarice found joy in the mountains of northern New Mexico near Chama. Their cabin became a gathering place for family and friends - a place filled with stories, laughter, and the smell of pine. Clayton loved hunting and fishing along the Brazos River and at Heron and El Vado Lakes, but even more, he loved sharing those moments with the people he cherished.

 A Graveside Service with military honors will be held on June 27th, 2026, at 11:00 am at Sunset Memorial Park, followed by memorial at the Simmons Family Residence.

Clayton leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to his family. He was a man of quiet strength, gentle humor, and deep loyalty. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his spirit - steady, humble, and full of heart - will continue to guide and inspire all who knew him.