Clayton W. Bushman, 95

Clayton W. Bushman, 95, passed peacefully on May 31, 2026, at Merrimack County Nursing Home.

Born in Franklin, on Nov. 30, 1930, to Gladys E. Bushman and Harry Bushman, Clayton graduated from Franklin High School in 1948, and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served three years in the Korean War.

After returning home he worked for the New England Telephone Company for over 30 years. He was involved in the Franklin Outing Club, a Free Mason for 60 years, president of the American Baptist Churches of NH/VT Chapters, and a member of the First Baptist Church for over 50 years. He worked at the Franklin Cemetery for years after his retirement. He was an extraordinary jack-of-all-trades, not a job he couldn't tackle, plumbing, electrical, construction and landscaping were just a few. He was a family man through and through.

Whether it be sports that his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren were involved in, he was there. For years he was a staple at the local football field well after his children had grown up, and the Veterans Memorial ski area where he taught his children how to ski. Every sport he took on himself in early years included a cigar in his mouth ... skiing, skating, water skiing, marching in the local parades. You could always spot him a mile away. Up until his death if you asked him how he was, he would always (well most times) say he was “excellent.”

He is predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Lorraine Ellis Bushman; daughter Marjorie Bushman; sister Jean H. Bushman; brothers Roger Bushman, John H. Bushman and Norman Bushman.

He is survived by his three children, Kandi Fallon (Daniel), Carol Bowen (Dale) and Daniel Bushman. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We would like to thank the staff at Peabody Place, Merrimack County Nursing Home and Franklin VNA Services for his care.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 13, at the Sanbornton Baptist Church, 17 Church Lane, Sanbornton. Family and friends are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent Franklin VNA, Chestnut Street, Franklin.

A private burial will be held at Franklin Cemetery.

Thibeault-Neun Funeral Home in Franklin is assisting with arrangements, and an online guest book is available at neunfuneralhomes.com.