RAYMOND CLAY

by Rita Cox

Raymond Edward Clay, 88, of Canton, Mo., died September 14, 2015 at the Lewis County Nursing Home, Canton, Mo.

He was born August 15, 1927 in Sidney, Mo., a son of James Chester and Lottie May Eitle Clay. He married Ruth E. Scobee on Nov. 27, 1948 in Kansas City, Mo. She survives.

Raymond was a member of Ten Mile Baptist Church near Canton and an Army Veteran of WWII. He was retired from farming and throughout his life he enjoyed bowling, metal detecting, coin collecting, Indian relics and arrowhead collecting, woodworking and gardening, but most of all he loved to be with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Ruth, two daughters, Vickie Berhorst and Naydene (Lee) Berhorst , all of Canton; sisters, Roseva Stewart of Unionville, Mo., Edith Shipley of Ottumwa, Iowa and Addelena (Billy) Willis of Springfield, Tenn.; grandchildren, Stacy (Kim) Berhorst of La Grange, Shannon Berhorst, Joshua Berhorst, Lacy (Shawn) Spurgeon all of Canton and Tonia (Shane) Martin of Hallsville, Mo; nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Landon Berhorst, son in law, Mike Berhorst, brothers, Pearley, Herman and Frankie Clay and two infant sisters.

Funeral services were held Sept. 18, 2015 at the Ten Mile Baptist Church near Canton with Rev. Russell Brownell officiating. Visitation was held Sept. 17, 2015 at the Davis Funeral Home in Canton. Music: Gaus Family Singers and Ron Puls, vocalists; Mary Jo Ehrlich, pianist.

Pallbearers: Stacy Berhorst, Shannon Berhorst, Joshua Berhorst, Tanner Martin, Shawn Spurgeon and Shane Martin. Honorary Pallbearers: Tonia Martin, Lacy Spurgeon, Kim Berhorst, Megan Randolph, Kellie Barrington, Norman Adams, Stanley Wilson, Ron Puls, Alva Farr and Bryan Steiglitz

Burial with military honors was in the Ten Mile Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Lewis County Nursing Home.