Francis Clay

Francis “Duane” Clay, 89, of Kingman AZ passed away January 14, 2021 at Kingman Regional Medical Center, Kingman Arizona from pneumonia and COVID. He was born July 16, 1931 in the Township of LaGrange, Monroe County, Wisconsin to Hulda (Hoffman) Clay and Francis Clay. Following graduation from Tomah High School in 1949 at age 17, he left for Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas, beginning his career in the Air Force. Later, based in New Jersey, he served in a Radar Unit. It was in New Jersey that he met Ellen Douchtery. They were united in marriage on May 16, 1953 in Trenton, New Jersey. After the war ended, with no jobs available to him, he worked seven different jobs in one year. In 1954, Fran began working for Lake Central Airlines in South Bend, Indiana. In 1955, he began his career with Trans World Airlines (TWA), working there until TWA closed at South Bend in 1960. Then Fran and Ellen started their journey down Route 66 and found themselves transferring to Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, which at that time was home to only four airlines. After serving as a Reservation Agent, Air Freight Supervisor and Transportation Agent, Fran retired in 1992 after 37 years with TWA. Fran and Ellen enjoyed traveling the world by air and later touring in the United States by motorhome. Fran was baptized in the Warrens Baptist Church in Warrens, Wisconsin (later telling the story of thinking he was going to drown as he was baptized). He loved aviation and enjoyed attending the EAA in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with niece Tracey (Alan) Roof, and was thrilled for the ultra-lite ride with John Glynn, thanks to niece Staci Pierce Glynn. Fran was proud of his military family members (Lee, Brad, Tim, Cindy Wildes, Kelli Pierce) and was always concerned for their safety. He enjoyed the Diamondbacks and Brewers, but was a die hard Packer fan! As his health declined, Fran was always thankful when niece Phyllis Olsen, WI could take him to appointments and spend time together. He loved Wisconsin visitors, phone calls, cards and the Sparta WI newspaper keeping him connected. Fran is survived by Sister, Lois Pierce, Tomah, WI; Brothers, Loren (Vicki) Wildes, Warrens, WI, and Lee (Linda) Wildes, Tomah, WI; Sister-in-law Geri Clay (daughters Debbie, Pam and Shelly), IA, and Jane (Ray) White, Kingman, AZ; also many Clay, Pierce and Wildes relatives in the Tomah/Warrens, Wisconsin area. Fran was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen; Father, Francis; Mother, Hulda (Herbert) Wildes; Brother, Ronald "Ronnie" Clay; Brother-in-law Jack Pierce and nephews Steven Huff, Mark Wildes and Alan Roof. Arrangements are pending with burial to take place at the Southern Nevada Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada. Sutton Memorial Funeral Home in Kingman is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be given in Fran's name to the Veterans organization of your choice.

Francis Clay

July 16, 1931 - January 14, 2021

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Francis Clay

July 16, 1931 - January 14, 2021

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support