Bernard Clayton Jr.

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Bernard Clayton Jr.
Date Of Birth:December 25, 1916
Date Of Death:March 28, 2011
Service Date:A Private Family Service will be held at a later date in California.

Bernard Clayton Jr., 94, of Bloomington passed away Monday at the Meadowood Health Pavilion. He was the son of Bernard and Lenora (Condon) Clayton born on December 25, 1916 in Rochester, Indiana.   Bernard Clayton Jr. is the author of award-winning cookbooks, including those on breads and baking which three decades ago helped usher in the baking at home revolution in the United States.  Clayton’s books include the Complete Book of Breads, The Complete Book of Soups and Stews, The Breads of France, and Cooking Across America. In 1998 his seventh book, The Complete Book of Small Breads, was published.  The Bread Baker Guild of America in 2001 named him to its Hall of Fame for his contributions to the advancement of artisan bread baking and his research and communications on the techniques of the craft.  Clayton, the son of an Indiana country newspaper editor, went with the Indianapolis News after attending Indiana University in the mid-30’s, and then joined Time-Life Magazines in New York. He was a war correspondent in the Pacific for the magazines during WWII and was aboard the Battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay for the surrender ceremonies.  After the war he was director of public relations for Matson Navigation Company, San Francisco, with ships and hotels in the Pacific. In 1960 he joined the New York public relations firm T.J. Ross and Associates as its vice president on the West Coast.  Indiana University, in 1966, asked him to come to Bloomington to take charge of a special media project. He retired from the university in 1980 to devote full time to writing about food and travel. In 1997 Indiana University honored Clayton with the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.  Clayton is survived by his loving wife of seventy years Marjorie L. Clayton of Bloomington; a daughter Susan Barnato and husband Richard of Bishop, CA; a son Jeffrey Clayton and wife Linda of Lake Arrowhead, CA; two grandsons, one granddaughter and six great-grandchildren.  There will be no services in Bloomington. A private family service will be held in California at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Bloomington hospital Foundation or the Indiana University Foundation in memory of Clayton.

 


  • From: Janice Wampler
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bernie Clayton. I was honored to know Bernie durning my tenure at IU Business School and was blessed to receive one of his cookbooks as a gift from him. Just talking with him brought a smile to my face.


  • From: michael cassady
    Location:bloomington

    Marge, I am so deeply sorry. I'm glad we spoke Monday, but I'm hurt that I did not see bernie at the clinic.Please know I am here for you, if you need anything.I will be in touch. I love you and bernie very very much.I will deeply miss him. my love,michael


  • From: Robert Hart
    Location:M eadowood

    Dear Marjorie: Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Bernard. It has been my privilege to know both of you. You know how much Bernard and I enjoyed sharing recipes. May you bravely face the future without him. Fondly, Bob Hart


  • From: Ruthie Smith
    Location:Ellettsville, Indiana

    Marjorie and Family, I was so terribly sad to read about Bernard, I know your loss is very painful. I got to know you both at Dr. Manifolds Office, and loved you both very much. He was always so funny, always joking around with us, didnt matter how bad he felt. I have alot of wonderful memories, and cookbooks I will cherish forever. I have visited with Dr. Manifold at the nursing home, its so sad to watch such a great man deteriorate. They have lived Great lives, and traveled the world. They have seen more in their lifetimes than we will ever see, and told wonderful stories about it all. I was blessed to have known Bernard. Love Ruthie Smith


  • From: Dennis Organ
    Location:3669 E Longview Ave

    Marge, So sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. As the years pass and we don't run into long-time friends, we forget how many years have been added on to when we last saw them. Not only did Bernie have a long life, it was one rich in productive endeavors and the love and respect of those who knew him and his work. I see him now on that Schwinn Paramount as we scoured the hills and dales of Monroe Co., back in the early 70s, and that's the way I'll always remember him. (I sent an email to the Parrishes in Colorado to let them know.) Wishing you the best, Denny


  • From: Jim Patterson
    Location:Orr's Island, Maine

    Dear Majorie: I was saddened to hear of Bernie's death. We had many good times at the old School of Business lounge solving the problems of the world and of places and issues even more important. We shared an interest in the Merchant Marine and of the history and prospect for IU. He was a good man and he lead a good life. He loved and was loved by his friends and family. You can't ask for anything more. I salute him for a job well done. Fondest regards...Jim Patterson


  • From: Fred & Shirley Demshar
    Location:Blgtn

    Marge, Bernard's passing brings sadness but also many fond remembrances; the top of the list was building his bread kitchen. Also, the roto tiller he sold me. He thought I intended to resell it, being the trader that I am, and he would tease me in later years about the profit I made from the resell. I still have the machine & use it regularly. We refer to it as the Clayton. we always think of you and Bernard as a couple who lived life to the fullest. Your experiences during the war and the trips collecting info for the books surely bring you many happy memories. Again in sadness, Fred & Shirley


  • From: John Flora
    Location:Brookland, AR

    My deepest sympathies to the Clayton family. I still cherish the memory of that fabulous bowl of bouillabaisse that Bernard served up in the amazing kitchen of his Bloomington home years ago. All my best to Marjorie, Susan and my boyhood friend Jeff.


  • From: Misty Howden
    Location:Zionsville, Indiana

    Marge- The Howden family was together for a dinner last night and we spoke of all of the wonderful memories we have of you and Bernard, and all of your times with Barbara and Wendell. Our thoughts and warm wishes will continue to be with you. Misty Howden


  • From: Peter  Hirst
    Location:Brewster, MA

    Dear Marjorie: I was saddened to hear of Bernie's recent death. My father, Lee Hirst, counted Bernie among his most admired friends. Bernie also provided me with one of the truly formative experiences of my life: a cold, snowy and prematurely shortened trip headed for Mount Whitney and the High SIerra with John Blowitz in August of 1964. We got as far as 1000 feet below the Sierra Crest and had to turn back without ever seeing the other side. I have been back to Mt Whitney, but until this year, never got back into the High Sierra country we were headed for on that ill-fated trip. As it happens, I am finally making that trip with my children in July of this year. As I travel through that beautiful country Bernie introduced me to, I shall think of him often, and will always treasure and be grateful for his guidance. Peter Hirst Brewster, Mass