Clifford Lay

Clifford Lay

Clifford Lay 93, of Greentop passed away Thursday (September 5, 2013) in Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

The son of James A. and Grace E. (Morton) Lay, he was born June 9, 1920 in rural Greentop on the farm where he lived his entire life. On December 12, 1940, at the home of Rev. Perley Lind he was united in marriage to Carolyn Saxbury who preceded him in death on March 7, 2007. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Kirby Hunziker, and a grandson, Kalon Hunziker.

Clifford is survived by his children, James Lay of Greentop, Cathy Lay of Edina, and Marilyn Lay Hunziker of Hurdland; four grandchildren, Deborah Lay of Woodstock, IL, Addison Hunziker and wife Theresa of Edina, Hayden Hunziker of Hurdland, and Gracie Hunziker of Hurdland; also one great grandson, Dale Warren IV of Genoa, IL.

He attended the Davis Rural School, Greentop High School for three years, and Queen City High School graduating with the class of 1938. Clifford started farming with his Dad and often times spoke of farming with him as well a his cousin, Gilbert. He loved to tell how Gilbert was to wave a white rag to signal him in the field when Gilbert's third child was born if it was a girl. He continued farming with his wife and children. A few years ago he loosened the reins and share cropped with his son and neighbor. He spoke just last month of expecting a good crop on the river bottom this fall. Besides farming Clifford worked as a carpenter for many years. Then he worked for the State Department of Mental Health at the Kirksville Regional Center for 28 years retiring in 1990.

He loved hunting and taught all of his children to love it a well. Clifford enjoyed making things in his spare time, especially with wood. He also loved all types of mechanics. He also enjoyed watching TV, listening to the scanner, and CB.

Clifford was a member of the New Harmony Baptist Church. He was a 56 year member of the Greentop Masonic Lodge.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday (September 10, 2013) at the Dooley Funeral Home with Reverend Rick Chapman officiating. Music will be by Cole Tippett singing "On The Wings of a Snow White Dove accompanied by Marge Tippett organist. Interment will be in the New Harmony Cemetery west of Greentop, MO.

Pallbearers will be Addison Hunziker, Hayden Hunziker, Steve Pflum, Chad Lay, John Taylor, and Rodney Cooper. Honorary bearers will be Dale Warren IV, Gracie Hunziker, Sammy Lay, Larry Lay, Paul Lay, Bradley Lay, Wayne Laudwig, and Terril Lay

Visitation will be Tuesday (September 10, 2013) from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., with a Masonic service at 3:30 p.m. at the Dooley Funeral Home, Queen City, MO 63561 660-766-2241

Memorials are suggested to the Schuyler County Cancer Relied Fund.