NEWTON—Clayton James Sadowski, 94, of Newton passed away on Feb. 12, 2023, surrounded by his wife and daughters.
He was predeceased by his son, Gregory, his parents Henry and Katherine, his brothers, Gerald, Richard and Theodore, and his sister Rita.
He is survived by his wife, Rita, his daughters, Gail (Mitch) Sexton and Gina (Kelly) Crowley. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Katie Jones (Bradly Jarvis), Andrew Sexton (Katy Vaninger), Clayton Crowley, Carter Crowley and four great-grandchildren.
Clayton was a devoted husband and father. He was respected, admired and greatly loved by all of his family. He was a faithful Catholic and lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Clayton went to work for the Newton Fire Department Jan. 1, 1950, and retired Jan. 1, 1990. He spent 18 of those years as chief of the Fire Department. He was a well-respected leader by his fellow firefighters and the city administrators that he worked with during his tenure with the City of Newton. His service as a firefighter was a very important part of his life.
Clayton’s interests were broad, he was an avid sports fan beginning with high school baseball and wrestling. He was loyal to his Kansas roots always. Starting with his Royals, he supported the Chiefs and KU Basketball.
As a product of growing up on a farm, Clayton, loved all things – nature. He was a master gardener and was known to reap a harvest from his garden, and his tomatoes were renowned. Because of his love of the outdoors, he was a skilled hunter of whatever was in season. He was a true marksman which he employed to become a skilled bow hunter. His deer hunting tales earned quite a reputation. He competed with his brothers in yearly fishing outings at which much fun was had by all. He took great joy and sheer amazement in observing the great outdoors. He would say of his early morning deer hunting that it was just such fun to get to listen to the world wake up.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home Chapel in Newton. Mass of Christian Burial will be in his honor at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Newton. A graveside service will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Broadway Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
