Wilbur Leon Clay

Wilbur Clay, 80, of rural Putnam County, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Wilbur Leon Clay was born in Unionville, Missouri, on January 8, 1943, the son of George and Myrtle (Mahoney) Clay.  He was raised in the Sydney community of Putnam County and graduated from Unionville High School in 1960.  Wilbur was also a graduate of the school of hard knocks. He worked at Montgomery Ward and McGraw Edison before beginning work as a hired hand at several area farms in eastern Putnam County.  Wilbur also operated his own farming operation which included hogs and cattle.  He worked as a cattle buyer at the Kirksville Livestock Market and later did custom fencing and haying.  Wilbur was a hardworking man who provided for his family.

Wilbur married Linda Walker in LaPlata, Missouri, on May 3, 1996, and she passed away July 17, 2016. Wilbur never met a stranger and was widely known in north Missouri.  He never spoke ill of anyone.  He loved to coon hunt and team rope.  Wilbur liked his horses and was active in the saddle club.  He once served as vice president of the local farm bureau.  He liked to shoot pool and square dance.

Wilbur is survived by two daughters: Cheryl (David) Robinson of Novinger, Missouri, and Vicky (William) Martin of Moberly, Missouri.  His grandchildren are Lee (Tom Abell) Martin, Clay (Stormy) McClanahan, Michael (Autumn) Robinson and Sasha Robinson.  Great grandchildren are Lily McClanahan, Sydney Robinson, Tyler Robinson, and Harper Murphy.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents; siblings William Clay, Evelyn Redmon, Alice Martin, Juanita Anders, and Wayne Clay; and four nephews, Kermit Young, Kenny Young, Gerald Young, and Joey Summers.

A memorial service will be held for Wilbur at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home at 11:00 am Saturday, August 12, 2023, with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Private inurnment will take place at the Lipp Cemetery.  Memorials may be made payable to the Lipp Cemetery and entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO  63565.