A Beloved Cowboy-Son-TopHand

Clayton Harold Anderson

Lifetime: Jul 12, 2005 - Jun 19, 2022

I Know You'll Miss This Man -by Baxter Black The Lord spoke to the heavy hearts that stood with hats in hand "Your sadness pains me deeply and I know you'll miss this man. But, it's true what you've been hearing, Heaven is a real place. That's no small consolation, You should use that fact to face. The emptiness his parting left that seeps into your bones And draw on it to ease your pain, For he is not alone. You see, all his friends are up here and all his loved ones, too, 'Cause it wouldn't be a heaven without each one of you. And heaven for a Cowboy is just what you might expect, It's horses that need tunin' up and heifers that need checked. It's long rides with a purpose and a code that lights the way And a satisfying reason to get up every day. It's the ranch he's always dreamed of and never knew he'd find. And if you think about it, you can see it in your mind. Him, leanin' in the saddle with his ol' hat on his head, Contentment set upon his face like blankets on a bed. The leather creaks a little as he shifts there in the seat. The bit chains give a jingle when his pony switches feet. And you somehow get the feelin' that he's sittin' on a throne A'gazin out on paradise just like it was his own. I can promise you he's happy, though I know you can't pretend You're glad he made the journey, It's too hard to comprehend. The earthly way you look at things can never satisfy Your lack of understanding for the answer to the 'Why?' So, I offer this small comfort to put your grief to rest, I only take the top hands cause my crew's the very best. And I know it might seem selfish to friends and next of kin But I needed one more Cowboy and +CLAYTON+ fit right in."

Clayton's about info
Details

Clayton meaning “molded by God”
Job 33:4 – The spirit of God has made me and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Clayton Harold Anderson went to his heavenly home on Sunday, June 19, 2022. Clayton will forever be remembered for his cowboy ways, and a smile that always lit up under the arena lights. Clayton was born to Kyle and Annie Anderson on July 12, 2005. Later two other brothers were added to the family, Caden Anderson in 2007, and then Chance joined the family with a complimentary birthday on July 12, 2010, to complete the C3 Cattle Company.

He was well-known for his horsemanship skills in multiple states and had recently won Reserve Champion in Texas State Reined Cow Horse marking his spot in the upcoming High School National Rodeo Finals.

Clayton was extremely compassionate - both humans and animals were blessed to be in his presence. He worked hard to improve his talents and help his family with their cattle and horses. In 2021, he was the first Top Hand of the Junior Working Ranch Cowboy Association showing his consistency in being a strong team player and a stand-out sportsman. Among many other winnings and awards, he still shares the record for the highest Junior High Saddle Bronc score in Texas. His greatest competitor was himself – always looking to improve. By 16 he has started over 25 colts and rode at least 40 outside horses.

Clayton has touched many lives in his 16 years. With his calm and confident demeanor, he never hesitated to lend a hand, help a friend, show up for a branding, working cows, and riding whatever horse asked of him. He wasn’t boisterous or arrogant and was a great role model for his brothers.

If you asked Clayton what he wanted to do when he grew up, he would tell you he wanted his own ranch with a nice stud to breed mares. He was a natural when it came to training and working horses, excelled at ranching, and knew better than most how to show up and work hard. He had a good sense of horses and cattle, when he took off after strays, he would never come up short. It seemed he excelled at everything he tried – from elementary wrestling and baseball to rodeoing and training and most of all being an amazing son and brother.

If Clayton had the opportunity, he would tell us all to sit tall in our saddles, never forget your handshake and grin. In Clayton’s famous words “just do your best and try not to mess up”.