Clayton “Clay” J. Michel, 21, of Fredericktown, formerly of Zanesville, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025. He was born Friday, May 16, 2003, in Zanesville, the son of Patrick Michel and Karri (Arnold) Chopson.
Clayton was a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School and Knox County Career Center, Class of 2021. He was very involved in Future Farmers of America and received the FFA Green Hand Award. Clayton was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed playing many hours with his stepfather, John; he also enjoyed playing football and baseball in high school.
Clay was a diesel mechanic by trade and was employed by United Aggregates, Inc. He was so proud of his Dodge diesel truck and the work he put into it. Clayton was a kind hearted young man who would give anyone the shirt off his back and the first to lend a hand to anybody who needed help. Clayton enjoyed the time he spent with his family and was the protector of his younger brothers.
In addition to his parents, Karri (John) Chopson and Patrick (Bonnie) Michel, Clay is survived by three brothers, Pvt. Connor Michel and Braxton and Brantley Chopson; grandparents, Robert & Karen Arnold and Dennis Michel; several aunts and uncles, Stori (Dan) Harper, Brian (Shannon) Michel, Rebecca Michel, Scott (Kari Flowers) Michel, and Stephen (Jacqueline Prince) Michel; numerous cousins, Jarrett, Gaige, Tucker, and Stella Harper, Colton, Kylie, Parker, Aiden, and Deacon Michel, and Kyle and Alaina Dennis; his girlfriend, Mackenzie Rine and their unborn child; many great aunts, great uncles, and extended family; a host of friends, including Landon Reed, Andrew and Adam Green, and Colton Snyder; and his great grandmother, Pattii Smythe.
Clayton was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Vicki Michel; great grandparents, Tom and Joan Aronhalt, John Smythe, Jr., William “Old Papaws” Arnold, Jean Yarger, Regis “Mike” and Leona Michel, Bernie and Patty Barnes; and three cousins, Joseph Barnes, William “Billy” Wilcox, and Heidi Doyle.
Friends may call 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Hillis, Combs & Nestor Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, and one hour prior to services from 11 a.m. till 12 noon, Friday. Funeral Service to Celebrate Clayton’s Life will be held 12 noon, Friday, April 11, 2025, at the funeral home with Envoy George Bates officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Clayton Joseph Michel Memorial Fund c/o Park National Bank, to assist Clayton’s unborn child. To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note of condolence, please visit: https://www.hilliscombsnestor.com/.
