Windsor, VT - Clayton H. Washburn, Jr., 74, died unexpectedly, Friday morning, April 12, 2019 at  Lebanon Center Genesis Eldercare where he was recovering from hip surgery.  He was born December 12, 1944 in Randolph, VT the son of Clayton "Harold" Washburn Sr.  and Anna O. (Whitcomb) Washburn.  He grew up in Bethel, VT where he attended the Lympus One Room School House. Later he graduated from Whitcomb High School in 1962.  He worked for a short time at the veneer Mill in Bethel before he started his life long career as a machinist at Cone-Blanchard Machine Tool Company in Windsor, VT. On  January 30, 1965 he married Sue M. Stoddard in Rochester, VT. and they made their home in Hartland, then later in Windsor.  Clayton worked at Cones until they closed in 2002. He was the last machinist to cut a chip before they closed.

Clayton was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He enjoyed tying his own flies, loading his own bullets and hunting in Vermont.  Clayton could be found at most area gun shows and was known for his gunsmith skills.  He also never passed by a yard sale without stopping. In his retirement years he volunteered at the American Precision Museum in Windsor, VT. He enjoyed meeting new people at the museum and loved to give tours.  He was a real Civil War buff who loved reading about and telling stories about the war.

Clayton was very proud to be a life member of the National Rifle Association.  He also attended Trinity Evangelical Church in Windsor, VT.

He was predeceased by his parents,  and a sister Winnabel "Chicky" Sinz.

Clayton is survived by his loving wife, Sue of fifty-four years, a son, Richard H. Washburn and his wife, Pamela of King and Queen Court, Virginia, daughter, Brenda S. Haines and her husband, Glen of Springfield, VT, six grandchildren, two great grandchildren,  a sister, Mary Ann Griffin of Bethel, VT, his mother in law Lois "Peg" Stoddard of St. Johnsbury, VT, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday evening, April 17, from 6-8PM at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor, VT.  Funeral services will be held Thursday morning, April 18, at 11AM at the Trinity Evangelical Church in Windsor, VT with Pastor Paul Voltmer officiating.  Burial will be held at a later date in the Fairview Cemetery in Bethel, VT.

Memorial contributions maybe made to the American Precision Museum, P.O. Box 679. Windsor, VT 05089