W. M. Clayton, the grand old man of Santa Ana High School, died yesterday at the age of 87. About three weeks ago he suffered a heart attack from which he never rallied.

Clayton Field, the high school's sprawling athletic plant, was named after him when he retired from public education a few years ago after teaching for nearly 60 years.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in the Smith and Tuthill chapel. Dr. O. Scott McFarland, pastor of the first Presbyterian church will officiate. Grave side services will be conducted by Santa Ana lodge No. 211, F. and A.M.

Mr. Clayton is survived by his son, A. Dorsey Clayton Sr. of Lemon Heights, and a stepson, Willard H. George of Los Angeles. A grandson, A. Dorsey Clayton Jr., lives in El Paso, Tex.

FAMILIAR SIGHT

A wiry little man who was a familiar sight at every athletic event throughout his 45-year career in Santa Ana, Mr. Clayton had been in excellent health until the heart attack struck him down. He passed away at his residence at 1315 N. Main St.

Although public education was his life's work, Mr. Clayton found time for numerous other activities. He was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian church, the IOOF, and the Sons of the American Revolution as well as the Masonic order. He was past commander of Santa Ana commandery No. 36, Knight Templar.

Willis M. Clayton was born Oct. 21, 1861 in Van Buren, O.

After attending public schools in his home district, he worked his way through Ohio Wesleyan unversity graduating in 1891.

His first position as a school teacher was at Allen Township High school at Van Buren, the first township high school ever organized in any state. He served as superintendent of schools at Piketon and Waverly, O., serving each four years. For six years he was county examiner of teachers for southern Ohio.

Coming to the Pacific coast in 1899, Mr. Clayton for one year occupied the chair of mathematics at Southern Oregon Normal college at Ashland.

In 1902, he came to Santa Ana and was assigned as principal to Roosevelt elementary school on East First St. After eight years at Roosevelt, he was transferred to Santa Ana High school as an instructor of mathematics and in 1917 was appointed vice principal, a post he occupied until his retirement.