Clayton I.D. Short, 24, of Fairfield, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at his home. He was born on January 4, 2002, in Fairfield, Illinois, the son of Victor D. Short and Andrea R. Coale.
Clayton loved his family and friends and cherished the time he spent with them. He was soft-spoken with a kind and gentle heart, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His caring nature and selflessness left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Clayton took great pride in his comic book and knife collections and enjoyed spending time watching The Walking Dead, following WWE wrestling, and playing video games, especially Grand Theft Auto V. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.
Clayton will be remembered by his mother, Andrea (Jason Carter) Coale, sister, Victoria (Jacob) Steele; brothers, William Berryman, and Zeppelin Slunder; maternal grandparents, Angela Coale and Kelvin Ulm; aunts, Megan (William) Moore, Cindy (Bill) Rhodes, and Carol Short; uncles, Roscoe Short, Jr., and Tim Short; nephew, Jacob Steele, Jr.; many loved cousins and friends.
Clayton was preceded in death by his father, Victor D. Short; brother, Alex Slunder; paternal grandparents, Roscoe and Darlene Short; great grandparents, John R. Coale and Mary Madeline Coale, Warren and Nina Harvey; and uncle, David Culiver.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Minister Kirk Rowe officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Bellmont, Illinois.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Clayton’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Coale/Short family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
