Clayton Acre Nattier

Born in Concordia, KS to Frank Emile Nattier and Irene Ellen (Acre) Nattier, Clayton was fascinated by airplanes as a young boy. It was not surprising then when Pearl Harbor was attacked and he quickly enlisted in the US Army Air Forces with the goal of becoming a pilot. He impatiently waited to be called to service and in November 1942 arrived at Santa Ana Army Air Base to begin classification and subsequent training, eventually becoming a B-17 Pilot. He and his crew arrived at Thurleigh Air Base, England in July 1944 assigned to the 306th Bomb Group. During his 16th mission on September 13, 1944, Clayton’s plane was shot down over his target of Merseburg, Germany. He became a Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft 1 where he remained until his camp was liberated in May 1945. Swiftly upon returning to the US in June 1945, he proposed to his sweetheart, Jean Mails, and they began their 68 years of marriage July 14, 1945 in Kansas City, MO. Clayton resumed his education at Kansas State College (now KSU), completed his chemical engineering degree, and began a career in petroleum engineering taking various positions in locations around the country. He retired in 1989 as Engineering Group Leader for Keplinger and Associates in Houston. After retiring, Clayton and Jean moved back to Denver, where they had lived previously, to be closer to family. Retirement brought opportunities for pursuing other interests and Clayton quickly dived in as a volunteer of many years with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) for the elderly. He served on church committees and in various roles as part of the residents’ association of his retirement community. Additionally, he was able to devote time to veterans’ organizations. Clayton became deeply involved in the work of the American Ex-Prisoners of War, serving as Mile High Chapter Commander and on the Board of the Colorado 8th Air Force Historical Society. He participated in the national conventions and reunions of those organizations as well as those of the 306th Bomb Group Historical Association. Clayton had the privilege of taking three trips with The Greatest Generation Foundation (England, Australia, and Germany) and participating in an Honor Flight to Washington, D. C. He was unwavering in his willingness to provide education about WWII, making presentations and giving interviews for all manner of audiences from school children to viewers of national documentaries. Clayton was a profoundly generous and caring man with a positive attitude toward life and a never ceasing desire to learn and explore. He cherished time with family and friends and delighted in planning vacations and other gatherings. Clayton was a loving, gentle, and thoughtful father whose exemplary good character and understated guidance were consistently demonstrated. He took great pleasure in music, through both listening and playing the trombone and piano in his youth, enjoying classical, Big Band, jazz and even an occasional taste of rock. A wry sense of humor left all who knew him waiting expectantly for what hilarity would develop next. His playfulness was met with delight by children and adults alike. Clayton embodied what made the Greatest Generation great. Preceded in death by wife Jean, brother Frank, Jr., sisters Dorine Jeannette and Janice Ruth, and son-in-law John McRae, Clayton is survived by daughters Jan Nattier of Thailand and Jennifer Mindala (Thom) of Denver; son Joseph Nattier of Ashland, KY; grandchildren Andrew Mindala (KyLeah), Sara Mindala, Jason Nattier, Heather Butcher (Jeremy); nine great grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Military honors will take place at Ft. Logan National Cemetery-Staging Area B August 25, 2021 at 10:30 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at Phillips United Methodist Church, 1450 S. Pierce St, Lakewood, CO 80232 at 11:30 AM. Due to COVID, masks are required in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Clayton’s memory may be made to Phillips United Methodist Church; Collier Hospice Center, 3210 N Lutheran Pkwy, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033; 306th Bomb Group Historical Association, 3244 S. Lamar St, Denver, CO 80227 (www.306bg.us); or to a charity of your choice.