Robert "Bob" D. Clay

Robert “Bob” D. Clay, 74 of Cherryvale, Kansas passed away Sunday, July 31, 2022, at his home.
Robert D. Clay was born May 5, 1948, at Waukegan, Illinois the son of Clifford C. Clay and Rhoda (Douglas) Clay. He grew up in Cherryvale and graduated from Cherryvale High School in 1967. He also attended the Vo-Tech program at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville Kansas.
On December 6, 1975, he was united in marriage to Cathy Hoover in Cherryvale, Kansas and she survives at the home.
After high school Bob served his country with the United States Army and Kansas Army National Guard from September 26, 1967, until honorably discharged June 15, 1984. He attained the rank of Sergeant E-5.
While in high school Bob worked numerous jobs including Shaw’s IGA, Cherry Bowl as well as in maintenance for 4 years at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant in Parsons.
In 1969 he worked as an Auto Body Repairman for 6 years at Cherryvale Body Shop. Then in 1976 he became partner/co-owner at Cherryvale Auto Parts for 7 years. After being part owner of the salvage yard he became owner of the Cherryvale Body Shop in 1983 and was owner for 9 years.
Bob later was employed with USD # 447 in maintenance for 3 years at the Cherryvale High School. He transferred to Lincoln Central Elementary School for 16 years where he was promoted to head of maintenance at Lincoln Central. He retired in 2011 but continued part time until 2020 when he retired due to ill health.
He received many awards and achievements including, 3-year Cherryvale High School football letterman, USD 447 Employee of the Month January 2000 and January 2001, Cherryvale BPO Elks Club #989 Elk of the Year 2003-2004, KOAM Strong Leadership Award April 27, 2004, for organizing donations and shipping care packages to service members in Iraq and Cherryvale Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year 2011
If you knew Bob, you might have eaten some of his catfish, been the subject of a prank, been gifted a birthday coin and swats or a fishing pole during his years at Lincoln Central, contributed to or received a military care package, or just enjoyed his unique sense of humor. He had a passion for classic cars and restored several in his younger days. He could name every song from the 50s and 60s. As a lifelong resident of Cherryvale, he loved his hometown and had no desire to live anywhere else.
He attended the Cherryvale Presbyterian Church when he was younger, was a member of the Cherryvale Elks Lodge #989 and Hazeldell Southern Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife Cathy of the home, daughters, Sally Clay of Independence, Kansas, Laura Stanley of Palisade, Colorado, Cindy Carter of Jasper, Missouri, brother, Jim Clay of Cherryvale, Kansas, grandchildren, Paige Montgomery, Wayne and Covie Stanley, Anderson, Mila and Mina Carter and mother-in-law, Lucille Hoover.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
The family will receive friends and celebrate Bob’s life Friday, August 5, 2022, from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Cherryvale Community Center (formerly the National Guard Armory) 712 South Liberty, Cherryvale, Kansas. This will be a casual event with a time of sharing with the family at your leisure.
Memorial remembrances are suggested to the Robert “Bob” D. Clay Memorial Fund for Students of Lincoln Central Elementary School.
Services are under the guidance of Wickham Family Funeral Home, 216 East 4th, Cherryvale, Kansas 67335.