Clayton Rath

Clayton Anthony Rath, age 50, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
Clay was undergoing treatment for throat cancer with a good prognosis, but he died very suddenly and unexpectedly of sepsis.
Visitation will be held at the Higby-McQuiston Funeral Home in Aurora, on Thursday, July 18, from 1 to 7 p.m., with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m.   The Rosary will follow at 7 p.m.
The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Harvard, at 10:30 a.m. with Father Clinch and Father Redinger presiding.   Graveside services will follow at the Harvard City Cemetery.   Memorials may be made to the family to designate at a later date.   Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in charge of arrangements.  Condolences may be sent to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
Clayton was born in Genoa, on March 10, 1974, to Gary and Kathryn (Verbeck) Rath, and was baptized at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.   Clayton was a delightful boy, and a real joy to his parents.
In 1978 Clay moved with his parents to Aurora, where he received first Communion and Confirmation, and attended Aurora Public Elementary, Junior High, and High School, graduating with honors in May of 1992.   He enjoyed his classes and activities, spending time with friends, and playing football.
Clay next attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he majored in mathematics.   He worked his way through college, eventually earning his Bachelor of Science degree in May of 2008.
Upon graduating, Clay packed up his car and headed for the West Coast, finding a cozy, beachside apartment in Ocean Beach, San Diego.  He worked first for Sony, then for Samsung.   Clay enjoyed his time in San Diego, relaxing with his friends, swimming, playing horseshoes, and sitting by the campfire at his apartment next to the beach.
In 2016 Clay was transferred to Dallas, and managed a logistics team of about 15 people for Samsung.    He bought a house that had a large back yard for his dog Rocky, but needed extensive renovations.   Clay worked hard and remodeled the house, inside and out, incorporating many ingenious concepts.
Clay was a very outgoing and interesting person.  He enjoyed getting together with friends whenever possible, and really loved playing pitch.   He was very insightful, kept up on current events, and was a staunch Democrat who cared deeply about his country.   He enjoyed working with his great team at Samsung, and enjoyed helping people whenever possible.
Clay and his brother Tyler had a special relationship.  They were fortunate to have enjoyed a wonderful trip together to Florence, Italy last year.
Rocky was Clay’s constant companion and best friend.  He really loved that dog!  Rocky’s ashes are right beside him, so their remains will be together for all time.
Clayton was preceded in death by his grandparents, and is survived by his father and mother, his brother Tyler, his awesome aunts and uncles, and by numerous cousins.
Clayton was a very kind and thoughtful young man, and will be greatly missed.   With a firm belief in the promises and mercy of our loving God, we look forward to seeing him again someday.
The family would like to thank all of Clayton’s friends for their acts of kindness, prayers, and thoughtful wishes, with special thanks to his good friend Emily.