Today I found out that Clay had died so long ago in 1994. I took out my photos and remembered all the fun we had in senior year and had a good cry. I love you Clay and know I will see you again even though you never believed in the afterlife when we were young.
The few times Clay and I interacted I remember thinking he must be older than the rest of us. ;) Bored with conversations about the weather, he seemed bold and "brave" in his ideas and beliefs... for someone from MHS. My last conversation with him was as a first semester freshman at OU. I had a bit part in the OU musical production of "Man of la Mancha". Some of the senior cast members invited me to a party. I arrived at the party and bumped into Clay who with an astonished look exclaimed "What the hell are you doing here!? We talked briefly and I left. Rest in peace.
Those of you who want to know more about Clay's journey of life, I suggest you read the book written by his mother Ann Baker; "Walk like a man". Can be ordered on internet, e.g. Barnes & Noble. Clay was a beautiful, bright person, but an odd bird at the time in Muskogee. But the world changes. I attended a service at Grace Episcopal Church in Muskogee some months ago, and they now have a member of the congregation who is a transvestite and he comes to Sunday service in full drag! Unthinkable just some years ago. Clay would be pleased to know. It gives me joy and and hope for mankind when a traditional, conservative church shows love and tolerance like that. At least the one in Muskogee.
Lesley Browne (Johnson)
Today I found out that Clay had died so long ago in 1994. I took out my photos and remembered all the fun we had in senior year and had a good cry. I love you Clay and know I will see you again even though you never believed in the afterlife when we were young.Lesley Browne (Johnson)
My daughter found this article for me a bit about Clays short, hedonistic but brave life. It is the 3rd article on the page 'a mothers tale'. http://www.muppetfreek.blogspot.com/2003_11_30_archive.htmlAndrea Hooker (Wright)
Dear Clay,I miss you.
Andrea
Bryan Douglas Lee
The few times Clay and I interacted I remember thinking he must be older than the rest of us. ;) Bored with conversations about the weather, he seemed bold and "brave" in his ideas and beliefs... for someone from MHS. My last conversation with him was as a first semester freshman at OU. I had a bit part in the OU musical production of "Man of la Mancha". Some of the senior cast members invited me to a party. I arrived at the party and bumped into Clay who with an astonished look exclaimed "What the hell are you doing here!? We talked briefly and I left.Rest in peace.
Anna Rosenquist
Those of you who want to know more about Clay's journey of life, I suggest you read the book written by his mother Ann Baker; "Walk like a man". Can be ordered on internet, e.g. Barnes & Noble. Clay was a beautiful, bright person, but an odd bird at the time in Muskogee. But the world changes. I attended a service at Grace Episcopal Church in Muskogee some months ago, and they now have a member of the congregation who is a transvestite and he comes to Sunday service in full drag! Unthinkable just some years ago. Clay would be pleased to know. It gives me joy and and hope for mankind when a traditional, conservative church shows love and tolerance like that. At least the one in Muskogee.