Inline Image Not Displayed

Charles Hawley Clay, 61, of Kansas City, MO, passed away on Oct. 17, 2012 at his home, surrounded by loving family and friends. A service of celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 1001 East 52 St., Kansas City, MO. Charlie was born in Kansas City to George and Harriett Clay on Oct. 10, 1951. He went to Border Star, graduated from Southwest High School and earned a bachelor's degree in English from UMKC. A Lifelong Loyal Sig, he became a Sigma Chi at the University of Tulsa's Delta Omega chapter and then joined the Xi Xi chapter at the University of Missouri. He was the COO of SRA Benefits Company, Mission, KS. His greatest accomplishments, however, were those of being brother, husband, dad, and friend. Charlie is survived by his wife Karlie, daughter Kelly, and son Mack (all of Kansas City). He is also survived by his siblings, Connie Clay Loosli (Al) of Walnut Creek, CA, Caety Clay Winston (Bill) of Lenexa, KS, and James N. Clay (Nancy) of Shawnee Mission, KS, and ten nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Martha Clay Wood McDermott, his brother, George (Cotton) H. Clay III, his niece Ashley Clay Winston, and infant son Bud. Charlie enjoyed life to the fullest -- whether barefoot skiing on the Lake of the Ozarks, bicycling with Karlie, jamming at the Winfield Bluegrass Festival with his kids, donning some outlandish costume for Halloween and the family Christmas card, or supporting Karlie in one of her overly-ambitious schemes. (He was truly 'the wind beneath her wings'.) Charlie brought music, laughter, and love not only to his family, but to his many friends. Charlie was a treasure to all who knew him. He wasn't the loud flamboyant kind, but rather the quiet clever one. When Charlie spoke, you were wise to listen. He has left a 'Charlie-shaped' hole in the universe that no one else can fill. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Clay Educational Fund mailed to UMB Bank n.a., 1310 Carondelet, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64114. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.stineandmcclure.com (Arr: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Stine & McClure Chapel, 3235 Gillham Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64109.) D.W. Newcomer's Sons Funeral Homes, Cemeteries, Crematories.816-931-7777 www.stineandmcclure.com

Published in Kansas City Star on October 20, 2012

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=charles-hawley-clay&pid=160533924#fbLoggedOut