Charles Earl Clinton went home to be with Jesus at the age of 87, on January 8, 2024, with his wife, Patti holding his hand. He was born in March 1936, to J.D. and Mamie Clinton in Hochatown, Oklahoma.

In 1956, Charles left Oklahoma upon graduation from Eagletown High School to never again farm. He came out to Roseburg, Oregon, with friends looking for work. After a short period of time, he moved to California and eventually settled in McKinleyville.

Charles was drafted into the US Army in 1959. His basic training was in Ft. Hood, Texas; then he was sent to Ft. Lee, Virginia. He had to leave his dearly loved 1956 Chevy in Hochatown because he couldn’t afford the additional car insurance to keep it on base. When Charles was shipped to Germany, he served in Kaiserslautern and Pirmasens. After released from active duty to serve his remaining time in the Army Reserve, he was recalled, during the Berlin Crisis, and sent to Ft. Lewis, Washington, to complete his remaining service obligations.

Charles worked in the lumber industry for many years before being hired by the City of Arcata and spending his last 23 years as a backhoe operator. He retired from the City in 1998.

Charles loved hunting and fishing. His pride and joy were his two deer mounts, Bucky and Bucky II. He relished showing these to any and all who stepped in our home, including workmen off the street. He prized his North River fishing boat and spent many a day on the ocean fishing for salmon.

Charles was a friend to all in our neighborhood. His family is grateful for the kindness and help he received from our neighbors in his final years. From baked treats, to help around the property and chopping wood, we knew they were quick to make themselves available.

Charles especially enjoyed the time he spent with his son Mike. He loved Mike with all his heart and wanted to see him or talk to him every day. Mike was always available to help him with every need.

Charles was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Daniel (J.D.) Clinton and Mamie Clinton, and his seven siblings: Joseph Clinton, Janelle Penner and spouse Deryle, Marvena Shelley and spouse Jerry, Beatrice Smith and spouse Ken, Inez Hudson and spouse Bennie, Patsye Roberts, Nelda Coulter and spouse Howard, his aunt Vivian Johnson, his nephew Daniel Shelley; and good friends Bill Hogan, Al Benham and Jim Dimmick.

Charles is survived by his wife Patricia Clinton of 38 years, his son Michael Clinton (Katrina) of McKinleyville, his daughter Earline Pickens of Locksburg, Arkansas; his step-sons Walter Butterfield (Jamie) of Haiku, Hawaii, and Chris Butterfield (Dawna) of Hillsboro, Oregon; his grandchildren Nichole Zubiri (Cameron), Haley Gentry, Taylor Butterfield, Dana Butterfield, Jacob Butterfield, and Alyssa Kramer; his great grandchildren Walker Zubiri and Kannon Kramer; his brother-in-law Jerry Roberts; numerous nieces and nephews; and his best buddy Earl Dimmick.

Charles spent his final days in Mad River Community Hospital surrounded by his loving family. In fact, he was moved to a larger room to accommodate us. The family wants to thank the caring support that Charles and family received from the staff at MRCH.

To abide by Charles’s wishes (“no big to-do”), a private family service was held for Charles at New Heart Community Church on January 21, 2024. His ashes will be spread at his favorite hunting and fishing places.