Clayton LaRon "Butch" Buettner, age 83, of Shawano, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2020 with his wife and children by his side.  He was born on August 5, 1937 in Red River, WI, to the late Wallace and Hazel (Bopp) Buettner.

Clayton joined the Navy at the age of 17 during the drawdown of the Korean War.  He was a Gunner's Mate, Guns.  He was a proud Sailor, serving mostly on Destroyer type ships to include the USS HELENA (CA-75), the USS TURNER JOY (DD-951), the USS HULL (DD-945), the USS HARRY E YARNELL (DLG-17), the USS SAMPSON (DDG-10), and the USS MANLEY (DD-940).  Notably, he was a plankowner of the USS TURNER JOY, being a member of the first crew to serve on the ship upon its commissioning.  He completed several tours in Vietnam, including a plankowner tour as a gunner with Riverine Squadron 15, a "brown water" patrol squadron.  Shore tours included duty at Treasure Island, CA, armed security enforcement at El Centro, CA, and instructor duty at Great Lakes, IL.  He retired as a Chief Petty Officer after over 20 years of active duty service and an additional 10 years of service in the Inactive Ready Reserve.

Following retirement from the Navy, Clayton moved back to his hometown area.  Over the years, he was employed as a truck driver with Catencamp Transfer, a driver with Sperberg Construction, a bus driver for the Shawano and Menominee School Districts and for Cedar Lane Tours, and a taxi driver with Shawano Cab.

Clayton enjoyed many hobbies.  He was a talented woodworker, great cook, enthusiastic gardener, world traveler, and wonderful teller of "sea stories".  He and his wife Lois were avid square dancers as a young couple and enjoyed participating in square dance camping outings across Wisconsin as a family.  Additionally, he was a servant leader in his community.  He taught Sunday School at Zion Lutheran Church and served as a driver for those unable to drive themselves to Sunday services.  He was also a volunteer bus driver for those with special needs.

Although his health declined substantially in recent years, he faithfully remained a member of several local and national military organizations:  Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, the Fleet Reserve Association, The Enlisted Association, and Mobile Riverine Force Association.

Clayton is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lois, his daughter Lena (Christian) Kaman, his son LaRon, and his twin one-year old grandsons, his namesake Theodore Clay and Jean-Paul Luc Kaman.  He is survived by his sister Itola "Babe" Stewart, his brother Wallace "Sonny" Buettner, his brother Otto "Bing" Buettner, his first wife Patricia Buettner and  step-children Jamie Johnsen, Michael Buettner, and Bobbi Griesemer, and numerous other family members.  His father and mother preceded him in death as did his brother Raymond "Huns" Buettner.

The family would like to thank the dedicated and caring staff at Shawano Health Services for providing excellent care and comfort to Clayton over the last five years.  Funeral services will be held at Swedberg Funeral Home on Friday, December 4, 2020 with the visitation from 0930 until time of service at 1100. Full military honors to follow.

Clayton leaves a legacy of devotion to duty, kindness, and selflessness.