Like many other Lions, Dr. Clayton King donates his time without expecting anything in return.

For 50 years, the Mattapoisett resident had a hand in club projects such as Harbor Days, the annual Easter Egg Hunt and fundraisers for cancer patients.

On Nov. 6, the community returned the favor with a heartfelt ceremony that expressed gratitude for all of King’s efforts.

He accepted a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives for “endless hours of charitable and civic activities for the citizens of Mattapoisett.”

Selectmen Chair Tyler Macallister presented the certificate to King in the Sippican Health Care Center. Friends and family erupted into applause.

His wife Roni thanked the crowd and kissed her husband on the cheek. Recent health problems left King confined to a wheelchair.

“He had a massive stroke and has difficulty speaking. You could say I’m his voice right now,” she said before the presentation.

The couple celebrated 52 years of marriage this November. Both are active in the community and involved their three children through the years.

While son Mike King and daughter Kathy Goulart still live in town, Dan King traveled from his home in New Mexico for the ceremony.

“I remember my dad helping with Lions projects since I was this high,” he said, gesturing to the ground. “We would dye all the eggs for the Easter egg hunt and all of the prizes would be stored at our house. We made the mistake of thinking they were all for us.”

Dan said his mother is caring for her husband while continuing her charitable efforts. This weekend she and others made Christmas ornaments to sell this weekend at St. Anthony’s annual “Magic of Christmas Fair.”

Clayton’s son Mike continues to be active in the Lions Club. As a Lion and member of the town’s Knights of Columbus group, Clayton has done it all.

He sought out people in need and would organize dinners to raise funds. He helped with clambakes, chaperoned teen dances, coordinated Harbor Days and was part of the effort to build the town’s tennis courts. From 1969 to 1972 he served on the Old Rochester Regional High School Committee.

For his club work, Clayton was designated a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions Club International Foundation in 1992. Named for the founder of the international organization, the fellowship is the foundation’s highest honor.

With all of these achievements, Clayton’s friend Don Fleming summed up his influence.

“As you could see from the turnout, most of all he is a dearly loved friend of the community,” Fleming said.