A celebration of life will be held June 9 for longtime Idaho horseman and AQHA Racing Council Member Clayton Russell.

© Courtesy Potter Funeral Chapel

EMMETT, ID–MAY 1, 2024–Longtime Idaho horseman Clayton Howard Russell passed away Monday, April 29, 2024, at a hospital in Boise, Idaho. 

A celebration of Clayton’s remarkable life will be held at Willow Grove Events Center, located at 4131 W. Central Rd. in Emmett, Idaho on June 9, 2024, at 2:00 pm (MDT), commemorating the profound impact he made on those fortunate enough to know him.  Services are in under the care of the Potter Funeral Chapel of Emmett.

Clayton was born on June 16, 1956, to Bill and Clara Russell.  He and his six siblings grew up on the Russell family’s dairy farm in Emmett.  Being raised on the farm, his parents instilled in him the important values of hard work and family.

Clayton's journey continued in Emmett throughout high school, where he encountered the love of his life, Kaye Gunter. Clayton and Kaye were married on February 16, 1973.  They made their home in Emmett where they enjoyed a wonderful marriage of 51 years and were blessed with two children, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Clayton and Kaye started Gem Pump Company in 1978.  Their success was a testament to their dedication and hard work, in building a business at provided for their family.

Family was Clayton's cornerstone, his unwavering devotion evident in every aspect of his life. Beyond his family, he was deeply committed to his community, serving on various boards and associations, including the Gem County Fair board and the Idaho Quarter Horse Racing Division Board.

His tenure as a Director for the American Quarter Horse Association spanned two decades, illustrating his passion for the Quarter Horse racing industry.

Clayton loved the world of quarter horse racing.  He enjoyed the sport and made lifelong friends at the racetrack. He was a member of the AQHA Racing Committee for 20 years.

Despite experiencing loss with the passing of his parents Bill and Clara Russell, brothers Steve and Clyde Russell, and niece Kelli Russell, Clayton's legacy lives on through the love and memories shared with his surviving family: his beloved wife, Kaye; children LeAnne (Nolan) Clayton and Mike (Nicole) Russell; grandchildren Kaity Clayton, Chase (Savanna) Clayton, Staley Russell, and Wade Russell; great-grandchildren Kora, Ryker, Krew, and Leland; and siblings, Jackie (Allen) Phillips, Lila (Stan) Schlief, Andy (Lorrie) Russell and Lois Russell.

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