By Deborah Larsen
Clayton Lewis Stumpf
Clayton Lewis Stumpf, known as “Joe” to family and friends, was born in Troy Township, Michigan, on February 2, 1919, the son of Lewis and Mary Poole Stumpf. Joe attended Rochester High School and graduated in the class of 1938. Before the war, he was employed at the A & P grocery store.
In December 1942, Joe entered the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the Reconnaissance Company of the 640th Tank Destroyer Battalion. His unit was shipped to the Pacific Theater, and participated in the battles for Luzon and the southern Philippines. Joe was discharged from military service in December 1945.
After the war, Joe married, started a family, and returned to work in the retail grocery business. On May 20, 1955, he was killed in an automobile accident at age 36 when his vehicle struck a tree.
Clayton Lewis Stumpf was laid to rest at White Chapel Cemetery.