Carl D Clay

Carl Donovan Clay, 93, of Conroe, Texas passed away on October 16, 2025, at his home in Conroe, Texas. He was born in Quincy, Ohio on June 25, 1932, to Willis Harrison "Harry" Clay and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Clay who both preceded him in death in 1975. He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Willis E. Clay and Max W. Clay, and a granddaughter, Rachel Erin Turner.
Carl is survived by his beloved wife H. Jane (Dunaway) Clay, to whom he was married for over 69 years. He is also survived by his two children, Craig A. Clay (Stephanie Clay) of Kyle, Texas and Diane L. Clay Henshaw (Scott Henshaw) of Casper, Wyoming; six grandchildren - Colin R. Clay (Nicole Clay) of Buda, TX, Sean S. Clay (Kaley Clay) of Houston, TX, Ben C. Turner (Savana Turner) of Casper, Wyoming, Samuel E. Turner (Emily Turner) of Billings, Montana, Connor Henshaw of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lauren Henshaw of Casper, Wyoming; five great grandchildren – Camilla R. Clay and Kieran C. Clay of Buda, Texas, J. Ridge Turner and Colter D. Turner of Casper, Wyoming, and Avery E. Turner of Billings, Montana.
Carl graduated from Quincy High School (Ohio) in 1950. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he married Jane in Bellefontaine, Ohio on August 12, 1956, and two weeks later he began college classes at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. With the G.I. Bill, and Jane's encouragement and financial support (on her teacher's salary), he was able to restart his college education and earn his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree in May 1960. Jane supported Carl, not only through his college years, and later raising two children, but also in putting her professional aspirations secondary to enable Carl's career progression.
In 1977 Carl attended the Sloan Business School at MIT. In 1992, his alma mater honored him with a Doctor of Engineering degree. He served on the Board of Trustees at Ohio Northern University for 20 years, (1986-2006). Education was of great importance to Carl, and he was also proud of his children's academic achievements.
Carl worked for Marathon Oil Company for over 33 years, (1961-1994). During that time, he held various engineering and managerial positions and lived in multiple locations in Ohio, Illinois and Wyoming. He and Jane moved frequently as his career advanced, enjoying the challenges and opportunities of seeing new states and places. After retiring from Marathon in 1994, Carl and Jane moved to Texas, and they built their retirement home in April Sound on Lake Conroe. Carl continued to work as an industry consultant until 2010. His consultancy included an election to the board of TEPPCO Limited Partnership.
Carl and Jane enjoyed traveling during retirement, (Switzerland, Canada, and other parts of the USA), and spending time with friends and family. He was a wonderful, loving caregiver for his wife Jane after she suffered a stroke in 2011.
A memorial service will be held at 11AM on November 22, 2025 at the April Sound Church in Conroe. A reception with a light lunch will follow in Fellowship Hall of the church. Memorials may be made to College of Engineering, Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio or the April Sound Church, Conroe, Texas.