Clyde Kelton Jr

Clyde B. Kelton, Jr. was born in Concord and lived a full life in Wayland. Clyde was married to his beloved wife Christine Kelton for 53 years before she passed away in 2019.

Clyde was a lifelong resident of Wayland. He was a member of the United Methodist Church since he was a child. Clyde graduated from Wayland High School in 1958, then joined the United States Air Force where he was an Airman First Class. While stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, he met his wife, who was in a Scottish bagpipe band that travelled all over Europe. After his service, Clyde worked at Johnsons Drugstore while attending night classes at Suffolk University and Law School to earn his law degree. He worked for the Federal Court in Boston as a clerk for 10 years, then Liberty Mutual for 23 years as in-house counsel. He then went to work for the Law Offices of Martin B. Schneider in Salem, Ma. Clyde went on to work at the Law Offices of Tentindo, Kendall, Canniff & Keefe, LLP in Boston for several years, and still maintained an active law license up to his passing. In each of these law firms, he made lasting friendships with both counsel and staff. He always amazed people with his legendary memory about cases and people.

Since he was 15 years old, Clyde always had a passion for cars. He started buying antique Ford Model A 1929-31 cars and fixing them up. His passion and expertise grew over the years. He was previously the Minuteman Model A Ford Club of America President where he continued to be an active member. Clyde enjoyed attending flea markets where he would set up and sell his parts--he especially loved the art of making a deal. For over 45 years, Clyde would travel to Hershey and Carlisle, PA, for large flea markets. Over the years, Clyde developed very close friendships and partnerships centered around rebuilding cars.

Clyde was an avid fisherman; he loved to fish at Lake Cochituate and went on numerous fly-fishing trips with his friends.

He was immensely devoted to his wife and children and grandchildren and were very involved in their lives. Vacations were mostly a drive away to a lake and were always filled with fun. For decades, he enjoyed countless visits with his wife’s family from Scotland. Memorable traditions with them included riding in the Sudbury parade in his antique car, holidays spent together with family, and endless food dates with friends.

Clyde had a great sense of humor and loved to send funny cards. He was also a very caring person who was always willing to offer a helping hand to others. In Clyde’s memory, please extend an act of kindness or send a card to brighten someone’s day. Clyde will be immensely missed by all who knew him and were touched by him.