Clarence L. Lay

Clarence Lillard Lay (1920-2009)

Clarence L. Lay, son of Elbert and Martha J. Lay was born June 3, 1920 at Knoxville, Tennessee. He was the oldest of four brothers and one sister: Trula (Lay) Keck, Charles J. Lay, Jennings Bryan Lay and Elbert Jr. Lay.
Clarence passed away April 23rd at the age of 88 years and 324 days.
Clarence was baptized at the age of 13 years at Elm Street Baptist Church, Knoxville, Tennessee and was confirmed becoming a member at First Lutheran Church, Knoxville, Tennessee after his return from the service.
He entered the service May 6, 1942 and was honorably discharged February 7, 1946. He met his wife Ruth Marie Hohlfeld at the Bruning Air Force Base where she was employed in the parachute department They were married on May 14, 1944 at Belleville, Kansas.
The union was blessed with three children: Debora Ellen, Michael Jeffrey and Martha Rucile. They lived in Knoxville, Tennessee; Deshler, Nebraska; Golden, Colorado; Hebron, Nebraska; and Englewood, Colorado.
Clarence's vocations had him employed at Deshler Broom Factory; Brookside Mills, Knoxville, Tennessee (16 years); insurance agent at National Life Insurance; and Coors Porcelain (23 years).
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents Elbert and Martha Lay; brothers Charles Lay, Jennings Lay and sister Trula Keck, her husband K.D. Keck and infant daughter Martha Rucile.
He is survived by wife of 64 years Ruth Marie; daughter Debora E. Kelley and her husband Bill of Grand Junction, Colorado; son Michael J. Lay and his wife Sandra of Littleton, Colorado; four grandchildren: Sean M. Kelley and his wife Cindy of Grand Island, Nebraska; Geoffrey W. Kelley, of Grand Junction, Colorado; Mark Kelley of Lakewood, Colorado; and Christopher M. Lay of Wheat Ridge, Colorado; and many great grandchildren.
Many people may not have known how spiritual Clarence was as he had his favorite religious songs he listened to for hours and also some he sang. The hour before going to sleep was spent in prayer with his wife. We know he is now at peace with the Lord Our Savior.
Dad you have provided us guidance and love which will be missed. You found humor in the little things that kept going through your final days. The world needs more people like you. Your faith and love will be with us always.
His burial will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 12:30 PM Friday May 1,2009 in Denver, Colorado. Memorial Services are at 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church at 4225 W. Yale Avenue, in Denver, Colorado immediately following the burial.
In lieu of flowers contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church in the name of Clarence Lay are suggested.