Tex Clay
October 18, 1946 ~ January 12, 2022
Tex Allyn Clay, 75, of Lisbon, died Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at University of Iowa Hospital following a long illness. Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Mount Vernon. Visitation: 9 a.m. until service time at the church. Burial with Military Honors: Rock Island National Cemetery.
For those unable to join in person, a Webcast of the Funeral will be available. For the link, and to share your support and memories with Tex's family, visit www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Diane; children, Dana (Joel) Skelley and Todd (Valerie) Clay; grandchildren, Noah and Emma Skelley and Rhys and Kyra Clay; sister, Trudy (Craig) Pearson; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Tex was born October 18, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas, to Elmer and Luceal (Holtz) Clay. The family moved to Mount Vernon when Tex was two, and he graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1964. Tex married Diane Nevins August 9, 1970, at Central Park Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. He served in the U.S. Marines Corps from 1964 to 1969, and the Army National Guard from 1972 to 1994. In addition to his 26 years of military service, Tex was a talented machinist for Link-Belt and Rockwell Goss, and technician for Communication Engineering and Per Mar Security. He was also a jeweler and watchmaker at his shop in Mount Vernon.
Tex was a dedicated member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He was proud of his military service and a deeply patriotic man. He enjoyed traveling, reading history and science, and cherished time with his family and friends, particularly for cookouts and backyard gatherings around the fire pit.
Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, Toys for Tots, or St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Mount Vernon
Hopefully, at least once in your lifetime you will have a person like Tex enter your life. Perhaps that time will not be as long as you like, but knowing him for that moment in time, enriches your soul and gives you hope for the human spirit. That is what Tex has done for me. Thanks Tex, for being you! My heart will miss you, but the memories will stay with me, until I see you on the other side! I will bring you some Chester chicken! Dixie
Dana & family – You are in our hearts during this tremendously difficult time. From your EPA R7 RCMC friends Dan, Erin, Alyse, Dave and Leslie.
Rejoice for our loved ones who have been called by our Lord. Rejoice for Tex and remember all the wonderful memories made with each other, all the times shared together. Rejoice in the day when the Lord takes our hand when we are all together once again. Much Love, Candee
We met Tex and Diane while on vacation in Mississippi and became close friends through the years. Tex was so full of life and Ready for any adventure. It was always a joy to visit with them in person or through cards and letters. His love for life was heartwarming. Blessings to you Diane and the family. Sandy and Jay, Fort Worth , TX
Our warmest condolences,
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending our love, prayers for comfort and deepest sympathy to your family.
When I first met Tex, I was a scared 18 year old, far from home and sad. He and Diane immediately welcomed me into their family. I enjoyed getting to know Tex and understanding that stealing your dinner roll meant he liked you. Love and hugs to you all. Andrea Dibble
I cant believe it, he was one of my Best Buds, One time I walked into work saw him standing there talking to Parts guy. SO I saluted him and said Colonel Potter, and he Laughed and we laughed.
I was very lucky to know Tex through his work at my family’s business, Per Mar Security Services. Tex consistently did an excellent job for customers, and received frequent compliments. He really cared about doing a great job, and it showed in his work. He would host the branch annually for a party at his house…he was just a great person. I feel sure that I can speak for everyone who knew him at Per Mar in saying that the whole family is in our thoughts and prayers. Brian Duffy
Diane and family…my condolences to you and your family. He was a friend and school mate throughout our school years in Mt Vernon. I so appreciated u giving of your time to help mom (Margaret) keeping in touch with her through church . Being in Minnesota it was hard as she and dad aged. I won’t be able to make the service but my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Diana Kafer LaVoi, Class if 64.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was a classmate of Tex from kindergarten until graduating from Mt. Vernon. There are no words to describe Tex as he explored life those 13 years. He had many talents and gifts. Playing the piano and knowing how to challenge his teachers to be better were probably two of his greatest. However if he considered you a friend he was immensely loyal. He will be missed by many. Thoughts of him bring a smile to your face!
With loving memories of “Tex Clay”,
My feelings for this good man are very simple. I considered him .a true patriot ,a great friend and a special member of our family. I am proud to have known him and will miss him allot. Rest in peace Tex.
I’m very sorry to see that Tex has passed away. He was a good man. I enjoyed talking to him when I’d bring out my watch – which he kept working perfectly for many years. He will be missed. My sympathies to Diane and the family.
Diane & family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss of Tex. He was a great guy & will be missed for sure. I hope you will hold fond memories in your hearts & I wish you peace & love. Laura Werkman
Rest in Peace Tex. You were a wonderful friend and neighbor. You were always there when Tom needed a helping hand or an idea on how to cut down the next tree from the derecho. So grateful for the times we spent together going out to eat,enjoying a campfire or sharing a favorite beverage. You will be greatly missed my friend. Tom and Pam Kramer
Diane and family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Tex was loved by so many, he was honest, fun, trustworthy, always ready to lend a hand when I would call on him. I have known Tex and his family for 65 + years, again a very nice family. What a loss, but no more suffering for our dear friend. Always hold his love for you all in your hearts and remember that beautiful smile he had. Know he was loved by many. I’m sorry I won’t be able to be with you tomorrow, but you will be in my heart and thoughts. Hugs, Annamae Baker
Diane and family, I am so, so sorry cor your loss. I can see Tex sitting In heaven with mom and dad and laughing about some memory from long ago. I hope this makes you smile as it did me. Love always, Laura Comried
So many great and funny memories doing so many fun things. Mostly things that are too loud to do anywhere except the country. His ruff and gruff humbug exterior encased the heart of a loyal man that loved his family. He knew everything about everything and was always a resource we could count on. Oftentimes I’d ask him where he bought something cool; he’d laugh and say “you can’t buy this in a store, I made it!” Whenever he said, “C’mon, want to show you something in the shop”, you dropped everything to find out what it was! If you were a mom or Grammy, there might be some new jewelry or a clock. If it was us boys it was something super cool like a new tool, gun, coin, or homemade “toy”. If it was the girls, it might be a new baby bunny….which would eventually be food for one of his pet snakes. SO COOL! After eating enough Bambi’s the snakes were big enough for him to carry around his neck in the annual Sauerkraut Days parade. He was always a prankster and never let me beat him in wrestling, even if I was only 7. He was cool unlike any other, except maybe Teddy Roosevelt. He was one of a kind in the best ways. How many people do you know that have had a head-on collision, with a cow, while driving a motorcycle, and lived to tell about it?! Or shot a hole through the living room wall with a hunting rifle for the TV cable since he didn’t have a big enough drill bit? He was a great man who’s awesomeness will be greatly missed, but never forgotten….
Cherishing a lifetime of fond memories!
My memories of Tex are all so positive. He was generous with his smile and his caring extended to everyone he met. Diane, Dana, and Todd, I’m so sorry for your loss. And, yet I am sure you will feel Tex’s presence and will be supported by his love through the rest of your lives. May God’s peace be with you and comfort you. Sincerely, Carol Daly
I am so very sorry that Terry and I cannot attend the services…I have Covid. Our deepest sympathies and prayers.
Thank you for allowing us to attend the funeral through the video. My heart goes out to all the family. Many special memories fill my heart this morning.
We’re thinking of you in this difficult time. He added so much richness to our family and everyone who knew him.