Clayton was born on October 23, 1929 the son of Philip and Mildred (Laurila) Perala in Wadena, MN.
Surviving Clayton is his daughter, Belinda of New York Mills, MN; son, Brian of Minneapolis, MN; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Robin (Diane) of Minneapolis, MN; sisters, Eldora Blom and Phyllis Rothiger, both of New York Mills, MN; sisters-in-law, Gloria Perala and Evelyn Perala; brothers-in-law, Mark Januszewski and Angelo Mazzei; and very good friend, Melmer Obenchain.
Clayton is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Marvin, Robert, and Loren; four sisters, Carol Januszewski, Sandra Mazzei, Kathleen Haugen, and Helen Perala.