ELIZABETHTOWN -- Clayton S. Phinney, 87, of Williams Street, Elizabethtown, passed away Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, at the home of his daughter, in Plymouth, Mass. He was born in Wadhams, Dec. 27, 1923, the son of Logan and Sue (Sayre) Phinney. Clayton served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 until his honorable discharge in 1946. He owned and operated C.S. Phinney Plumbing and Heating in Elizabethtown for more than 50 years. He was proud of his business and his motto was "If you are going to do something, do it right-the best you can." His plumbing installations were right and were the best they could be. Mr. Phinney was very civic minded. Throughout the years he assisted in many ways, in the community he loved. Organizations included the Masonic Lodge for more than 55 years, the Elizabethtown Fire Dept. for more than 30 years, and the American Legion Post No. 551 in Elizabethtown. When time allowed, Clayton enjoyed skating, mountain climbing and swimming. His children will dearly miss his presence at the family gatherings. Survivors include his five children and their spouses, Cynthia and Stephen Gagnier of Peru, Scott and Louise Phinney of South Glens Falls, Patricia and Michael Malcom of Hughesville, Md., Cory and Cheryl Phinney of Ticonderoga, and Carrie and Peter Nicholson of Plymouth, Mass.; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Melba Wrisley of Elizabethtown; sister-in-law, Christine Phinney; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Stephanie "Stella" Phinney, Jan. 15, 2007; and an infant son, Steven Craig Phinney; brother, Logan Phinney; sister, Ruth Kermani; two brothers-in-law, Elverton Wrisley, and Rod Kermani. There will be no public calling hours or funeral service. A graveside service with full military honors will be held Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at 11 a.m. in the Essex County Veterans Cemetery, 1205 County Route 8, Wadhams, NY, 12993. A gathering will follow at the Deer's Head Inn in Elizabethtown. Donations in his memory may be made to the Elizabethtown Fire Dept. or the Elizabethtown Ambulance Squad.