Clay Lyndon KILGORE

KILGORE, MCCORMICK, RAYHONS, KNAUER, GOOG

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 8/18/2012 at 14:56:49

March 4, 1956 --- August 11, 2012

Klemme, Iowa - Clay L. Kilgore, age 56, died unexpectedly at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond on Saturday, August 11, 2012. Funeral services are set for 10:30 a.m. today, Tuesday, August 14, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. The Reverend Janet Rieckhoff-Faris will be officiating the service. Interment will follow the service at Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme.
A visitation for public viewing was held Monday, August 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Andrews Funeral Home, 528 E. Main Street. Memorials in memory of Clay may be sent to the Klemme United Methodist Church, 109 N. Third St. Klemme, IA 50449, directed to the Music Program.

Clay Lyndon Kilgore was born March 4, 1956, in Belmond, to Lyndon "Pete" and Ruth (McCormick) Kilgore. Clay graduated from Klemme High School and soon after became employed at Winnebago in Forest City. In January 1976, Clay married Mary Rayhons. This union was blessed with three children, Jeremy, Kelli and Ross. Clay worked for over 25 years at Winnebago rising up to the employment status of recreational vehicle trafficking and distribution manager. Clay continued working after his employment from Winnebago along with becoming more involved in his community. Clay truly enjoyed every aspect of life. He was a loving father who cared for his family and truly enjoyed spending time with them. He was not shy to spend time with his children as they grew up with family game nights. Clay enjoyed the outdoors, he was an excellent golfer whether it was on the Klemme golf course or on a good disc golf course. He had the green thumb of a master gardener and would use the grown produce to make his own delicious meals. Clay didn't just have the smooth swing of an avid golfer but had the smooth shot in his many games of pool. His deep thinking mind carried over from his work as he continued to work his mind, challenging himself at crossword puzzles and Suduko puzzles.

His love for music always filled Clay's lungs. He enjoyed a wide variety of music. Whenever there was a karaoke playing, one knew Clay would not be far from it. His heart was surrounded by a love of the arts, he was a character through and through as he was a passionate actor and loved to put on a good show for his audience. His distinctive persona carried with him day to day as he was a man who never met a stranger. His unique outgoing personality touched countless lives and his humor brought laughter to so many hearts.

The love and memories of Clay will be carried on in the hearts of his family and friends. Son Jeremy (Katia); daughter Kelli Kilgore (Max Knauer) and their daughter Zari; son Ross Kilgore; mother Ruth Kilgore; special friend Marcia Gogg; and his beloved cat "Annie." Clay was preceded in death by his father Lyndon "Pete" Kilgore. Funeral services directed by Andrews Funeral Home, Klemme, IA.

Mason City Globe Gazette -- Iowa
August 14, 2012