Colonel (Retired) Clayton L. Moran of Springfield, Virginia, died peacefully at his home on Nov. 12, 2014. Clay was 87 years old.

Clay is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marjorie Verburg of Fredericksburg, Virginia. His ‘Met’ meant the world to Clay. He also leaves his daughter and son-in-law, Patricia M. and David Rabil of Franklin, Virginia, and his sons and daughters-in-law, Clayton L. Jr. and Kathy Tobin Moran of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and David S. and Sherry Naff Moran of Richmond, Virginia, along with 10 grandchildren. In addition, Clay’s Iowa roots are survived by his close cousin, Wayne Schwartz, of Animosa, Iowa, and his daughter, Janice.

Clay was born near Onslow, Iowa, on the family farm. He graduated from Shattuck Military Academy in Fairbault, Minnesota, where he successfully gained appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in the Class of 1949.

Clay retired from the military in 1993, completing a very distinguished career of 44 years. His service initiated in the Korean War, where he took part in the critically important 1950 Inchon assault landing and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, the Bronze Star for heroism, and the Purple Heart for wounds suffered. Following his Korea tour, assignments took him through Asia, Europe and the U.S., involving positions of Battery Command, the Division Artillery Command at Fort Lewis, Washington, the very rewarding Deputy Commandant of Cadets at West Point, and the Chief of Staff at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

He finished his career as a director within the American Battlefields Monument Commission, a prestigious presidential appointment. Clay retired with award of the Distinguished Service Medal for his exceptionally meritorious service to the government.

Clay was an avid sports enthusiast, and in particular was a very accomplished golfer. While at West Point, he was the captain of the golf team during his senior, First Class year, and he was a longtime member of the Springfield Golf and Country Club, where he was the Seniors Club champion for years, and where he routinely ‘shot his age’ starting at age 69.

Golf was a joy to Clay, but he lived for his many special family times, in particular the family’s annual summer vacation week in Duck, North Carolina.

Clay was a special influence on the lives of so many, and a special model for us all on the values and joy of life.

The burial service with high honors for Col. Moran will be at Arlington National Cemetery in March or April.