Clayton James Sadowski, 94, of Newton, Kansas passed away on February 12, 2023, surrounded by his wife and daughters.
Clayton was a devoted husband and father. He was respected, admired, and greatly loved by all of his family. He was a faithful Catholic and lifetime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Clayton went to work for the Newton Fire Department January 1, 1950, and retired January 1, 1990. He spent 18 of those years as Chief of the Fire Department. He was a well-respected leader by his fellow firefighters and the city administrators that he worked with during his tenure with the City of Newton. His service as a firefighter was a very important part of his life. Clayton's interests were broad, he was an avid sports fan beginning with high school baseball and wrestling. He was loyal to his Kansas roots always. Starting with his Royals, he supported the Chiefs and KU Basketball. As a product of growing up on a farm, Clayton, loved all things nature. He was a master gardener and was known to reap a harvest from his garden, and his tomatoes were renowned. Because of his love of the outdoors, he was a skilled hunter of whatever was in season. He was a true marksman which he employed to become a skilled bow hunter. His deer hunting tales earned quite a reputation. He competed with his brothers in yearly fishing outings at which much fun was had by all. He took great joy and sheer amazement in observing the great outdoors. He would say of his early morning deer hunting that it was just such fun to get to listen to the world wake up.
He was predeceased by his son, Gregory, his parents Henry and Katherine, his brothers, Gerald, Richard, Theodore, and his sister Rita. He is survived by his wife, Rita, his daughters, Gail (Mitch) Sexton, and Gina (Kelly) Crowley. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Katie Jones (Bradly Jarvis), Andrew Sexton (Katy Vaninger), Clayton Crowley, Carter Crowley and four great grandchildren.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home Chapel in Newton, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in his honor on Friday, February 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Newton, Kansas. A graveside service will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Broadway Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
