Clayton L. Comfort

Mr. Comfort died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004, at his home.

He was born in Wells, the son of Levi and Opal Plunkett Comfort. He graduated from Minneapolis High School in Minneapolis, Kan. In 1953, he received a degree in architectural engineering from Kansas University, where he also was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He completed training at The Basic School in Quantico, Va. He then attended flight school. In 1960, he was assigned to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. He earned a Master’s of Science in aeronautical engineering in 1963.

Mr. Comfort began duty with the Military Assistance Command in Saigon, Vietnam. In 1967, he was assigned to the Aircraft Weapons Systems Branch at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. He returned to Vietnam in 1970 as a commanding officer in DaNang.

He was promoted to major general in 1982. He retired in 1987, after serving for 34 years and seven months in the Marines.

He received several personal decorations during his military career.

Mr. Comfort was active with the Lawrence chapter of Habitat for Humanity, serving as member of the board, finance chair and president. He also was a member of First United Methodist Church in Lawrence.

He married Ardis June Bruce in March 1960. She survives, of the home.

Other survivors include two daughters, Anne Comfort, Burke, Va., and Rebecca Phillips, Portland, Ore.; a son, Lawrence, Westphalia; and nine grandchildren.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

The family suggests memorials to the Lawrence chapter of Habitat for Humanity or the church.

Online condolences may be made at info@warrenmcelwain.com, subject General Comfort.