Charles Sawyer Clay, 93, passed away Monday, January 30, 2017 at the Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, Iowa. Charles was born the first son of Leslie Logan and Sarah Marie (Sawyer) Clay on June 1, 1923 at home north of Gilman, Iowa.  He was welcomed by three sisters, Donna, Doris and Jean. The family was later completed with the addition of two brothers, Leslie “Fritz” and Richard. He was raised in the Gilman area and attended country school for 8 years before attending and graduating from Gilman High School in 1940 at the age of 16.

In January 1943, he was one of the first group of 19-year old’s drafted into the army from Marshall County.  He served his country faithfully as a medic until his discharge in 1945. He was very grateful that he was given the opportunity to join the Honor Flight in 2009. Charles was a true patriot, displaying our country’s flag proudly on a daily basis.

Charles met Alma May Scovill on a blind date and they were later married on January 14, 1950. To this union were born Jeri Lynne, Gregory Charles and Tamara Sue.

Charles attended Junior College in Marshalltown and the Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls on the G.I Bill. He taught in Melbourne, Radcliffe, Russell and Chariton, many different courses later specializing in Drivers Education.  He was also the Transportation Director for the buses in Chariton for many years.

Charles’ family was his life.  He was blessed with a large family who considered him their rock, always putting others first before himself.  Charles enjoyed fishing, “tinkering” in the garage, listening to country music, having a large collection of albums, tapes and CD’s, and was an old car admirer and channel surfing. He most enjoyed tormenting the grandchildren. Also sharing trivia and basking in the sun “soaking up Vitamin D” he would say. Charles had a very dry sense of humor.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, wife Alma, son Greg and siblings Donna Lawrence, Doris Walker, Jean Simpson, Leslie “Fritz” Clay and Richard Clay. Charles is survived by his daughters Jeri Tresnak of Chariton, Tammy Johnson and husband Don of Corydon, grandchildren Kari, Lisa, Lori, Tara, Sarah. Logan, Gabe, Taylor and Brandi.  Great grandchildren Daniel, Jami, Alex, Douglas, Christopher, Jeffrey, Makala, Paisley, Pryce, Dane, Corryn, Camden, Parker, Jaxton, Carver, Channing, Adam, April and Luke.  Great-great grandchildren Phoenix, Maddy, Lucas, Sean, Angelynne, Ava, Wesley and Marissa.

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