About Clayton-Thompson Funeral Home
Serving Groves, Port Arthur, and Southeast Texas families with compassion and dignity since 1920.
Over a Century of Service
Clayton-Thompson Funeral Home has been a trusted name in Southeast Texas since 1920. For over a century, families in Groves, Port Arthur, and the surrounding communities have relied on us for compassionate, personalized funeral care during life's most difficult moments.
Now proudly part of the Claybar family of funeral homes, Clayton-Thompson families have access to a comprehensive network of facilities including cemeteries, a state-of-the-art crematory, and a full-service floral shop.
History
The Beginning
Founded 1920The story of Clayton-Thompson begins in 1920 when N. B. Hampton established "THE HAMPTON CO." at 2105 Proctor in downtown Port Arthur, Texas. Like many businesses of the era, it operated as both a furniture store and funeral home. In 1930, the business was purchased by Paul B. Clayton and Thorlief Thompson, who gave the funeral home the name it carries to this day.
History
A Boom Town Legacy
1948 – 1965Following Paul Clayton's death in 1948, Thorlief Thompson became sole owner of the funeral home. The business thrived under his leadership during the post-war boom, when Port Arthur was considered a "boom town" fueled by shipyards and the oil industry.
After Thompson's passing in 1954, his wife continued operations until 1965, when Charles "Junior" Hanson — a dedicated employee since 1954 who had started as an ambulance attendant at age 14 — purchased the business and continued the tradition of personalized, caring service.
History
A New Home
1976For the business's 50th anniversary in 1976, a large new facility was constructed adjacent to Port Arthur's only cemetery at the current location on 39th Street in Groves. This purpose-built funeral home allowed Clayton-Thompson to better serve the growing communities of Groves, Port Arthur, Port Neches, Nederland, and the surrounding area.
Under Charles Hanson's ownership, the funeral home became known for its commitment to flexible, personalized funeral arrangements — a philosophy that continues to guide the staff today.
History
Part of the Claybar Family
2024In 2024, Clayton-Thompson became part of the Claybar Network of Funeral Homes, joining a family of 8 funeral homes, 5 perpetual care cemeteries, a memorial division, a state-of-the-art crematory, and a full-service flower shop across Southeast Texas.
This partnership brings expanded resources and facilities to Clayton-Thompson families while preserving the personal, community-focused service that has defined this funeral home for over a century.
Looking Forward
What's Next?
You can be certain it will innovate service to a new level.
It will make a difference!
It will be a source of pride for our company, the families we serve and our communities. We'll keep you posted.