By Jeff Zhorne
We are saddened to announce the death of Clayton Dale Steep, booklet managing editor and a longtime writer for the Church s publications.
Clayton, 57, died of congestive heart failure Aug. 30 at St. Luke s Medical Center in Pasadena, where he had been hospitalized for several weeks with a severe stomach disorder.
"There are friends and then there are friends," said Carrol Miller, a longtime friend and head of the Personal Correspondence Department. "He was a true friend, a brother."
Clayton contracted poliomyelitis at an early age and experienced poor health at various times in his life. "Of the many who have been struck by polio in their youth, it is only the few who are privileged to contribute over some four decades to the lives of tens of thousands of others. Clayton was one of those privileged few," said evangelist Herman L. Hoeh.
Clayton had been a Church member for 40 years and worked for the Church since 1958. He attended Ambassador College from 1958 to 1962, working in the press and later as a mail reader and letter answerer. In 1976 he was transferred to the French Department, where he was a writer, editor, associate instructor, letter answerer and publications coordinator.
He started working in Editorial Services in 1979 as an associate editor and was named senior writer in 1983. Clayton s articles were known to many for their sensitivity, personal insights and common-sense approach.
"He played an important part in the Work for longer than many of us have been in the Church," commented Norman Shoaf, booklet editor and Clayton's supervisor. "Hundreds of people around the world were thinking of him during his illness and deeply cared for him as a father figure, as a friend and as a shining example of God s way of life."
Ron Grove, WN layout editor and one of Clayton's closest friends, said, "Clayton always liked to be in the background--not too much fuss."
Joe Cavallo, another close friend, said: "During my 26-year friendship with Clayton, I can truly say he was always thoughtful, gentle and kind. He could point me to the positive and be cheerful even in dark times. My heart aches for him."
Paul Petranek, a member who attends the Dallas, Texas, North church and Clayton's childhood friend, talked to Clayton nearly every other week for the past decade.
"He was my best friend," said Mr. Petranek. "Nobody can replace him because we went through so many things together--both before the Church and as part of the Church."
Clayton wrote three pieces for the Good News Grapevine, a collection of positive comments circulated among ministers and members. In Volume 5 he recounted his spiritual progress moving away from legalism toward new covenant beliefs.
"Now that we are free from reliance on a law code, we will of necessity rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance," he wrote. "This, I firmly believe, will lead to more of the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit, and to what Mr. Tkach recently called 'The Golden Age of the Worldwide Church of God.' "
His last article appeared in the July 4 Worldwide News. In it he described the ministerial team who baptized him in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, his birthplace, Aug. 1, 1955, at age 17. Then he added with sadness: "I was looking forward to sending thank-you cards to the team. I wanted to remind them of the occasion and in so many words say: 'Here I am, still in the Church, 40 years and counting!'
"Unfortunately, however, my joy was diminished a few days ago when I learned that both ministers have left our fellowship," Clayton continued. "I pray that they will be given understanding and that the day will soon come when Mr. Armstrong's final plea may yet become reality: that we may be one and remain one."
Clayton, who never married, is survived by his father, Frank; a sister Sylvia Amrick; nieces Melinda Steep and Cherie Steep Cox; nephew Zachary Steep; and a sister-in-law Estelle Steep. A graveside memorial service was conducted Sept. 5 by Dr. Hoeh at Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena, California.
"Mr. Steep was interested in what he could do with and for others," Dr. Hoeh told the family and friends, "and he never gave complaining a chance to take root."
In his committal prayer, Mr. Albrecht said: "Clayton was subject to pain, but as a Christian soldier endured his earthly struggle with patience and faith, serving God and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim that gospel.' "
Clayton penned in the Good News Grapevine: "What does it matter, how dark the night? We walk by faith, not merely by sight."
We remember Clayton for the way we knew him in life. He leaves a legacy of love, genuine humility, compassion and a willingness to be accepting of and patient with others. He was authentic and he lived his Christianity. We will miss him greatly.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1995