Clayton Edward Rush, of Merrimack NH, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2016, while surrounded by his loving family. Clayton was born in Millinocket, Maine on December 7, 1924, to the late Everett and Margaret Rush.

Clayton is predeceased by the love of his life Helen Rush. Helen and Clayton lived for 47 years in the town of Hudson, NH and were parishioners at St John the Evangelist Church. Religion was a focus in the lives of Helen and Clayton, and was instrumental in keeping their marriage strong and vibrant. It was a shining example for all those who spent time around them, that humility, a strong family life, and a love for God, can be instrumental forces, when confronting life’s challenges. They enjoyed spending time at their winter home in Bonita Springs, Florida. Clayton and Helen had a passion for traveling, and together they saw many different parts of this great country.

Clayton proudly served his country on the USS Swasey DE248 during World War II from 1942-1945. He was employed by Ingersoll Rand, where he established a lifelong friendship with his mentor Joe Hogan. He loved playing cards with his good friends Art, Greta, Fern, Jack, and Helen. Rounding out his circle of friends were Joe and Claudie who were his special lunch buddies.

In addition to his parents, Clayton was predeceased by his siblings Henry, William, and Colleen. Clayton is survived by his sister Kathleen, brother Everett, and three children, Clayton Jr. and his wife Kathy (Delude), Maureen and her husband Tim (Foltz), and Ken and his wife Colleen (Culliton) all of Merrimack, NH. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Geoff and Jennifer, Kristyn and Beth, Christopher and Kathryn, as well as 5 great-grandchildren, Rachel, Abby, Anna, Katelyn, and Emma.

Calling hours took place on Thursday, May 5, 2016, from 1-3 pm at the Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack NH, 03054. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, May 6, at 9:30 am, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 16 Baboosic Lake Rd, Merrimack. Burial with military honors followed in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Hudson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in support of his great-granddaughter Abby who has CF and is participating in Great Strides walk-a-thon, her web page link is http://fightcf.cff.org/site/TR?px=1892484&pg=personal&fr_id=4838&et=axeA4OjSz1QfSX_DcJP7Dg or Home Health & Hospice, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.

To sign an online guestbook, please visit rivetfuneralhome.com.