Thomas E. “Tom” Clayman, 70, died January 4, 2023, with his wife, Sandy, by his side. He was born April 15, 1952, in Richmond, IN, to James C. and Martha Jeanne (Koontz) Clayman. On June 3, 1972, he married Sandra “Sandy” Kay Lohr, in Nevada, OH.
Tom graduated from Eaton High School in Eaton, OH. While working for Mid-States Wool in Ohio, he was transferred to Hutchinson for a “short period of time”, and he never left. He and his wife, Sandy, have made Hutchinson and the Reno County Community their home for over 40 years. Twenty years ago, Tom became co-owner of Kauffman Seeds. Kauffman Seeds was named the 2022 Agri-Business of the Year by the Reno County Chamber of Commerce. While Tom loved the seed business, his first passion was sheep, especially Montadales. Tom raised, judged, and showed thousands of sheep all over the United States including county and state fairs in addition to national shows. When showing sheep Tom gave freely to others by giving sound advice and offering a helping hand when possible.
Tom was a member of the Montadale Sheep Breeder’s Association, Oklahoma Genetics, Kansas Crop Improvement Association, and Reno County 4-H Club. These are just a few of the organizations in which he was active. Tom was on the Board of the Montadale Sheep Breeder’s Association, where he had served as president. He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hutchinson.
Tom is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Sandy of Hutchinson; son, Michael Clayman and wife, Cassey of West Memphis, AR; daughter, Michelle McMillon and husband, Christopher of Old Hickory, TN; sister, Nancy Kramer and husband, Phillip of Eaton, OH; and three grandchildren, Wyatt Clayman, Willow Clayman and Abigail McMillon; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 East 30th Avenue, Hutchinson, KS with Pastor Del Strecker officiating. Interment will follow in Elmer Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m., and on Monday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Emanuel Lutheran Church or Montadale Sheep Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
