Clay Dudenhoeffer

Clay Frank Dudenhoeffer, age 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2026, in Rolla, Missouri.

Clay was born on December 24, 1933, in Grandfield, Oklahoma, to the late Harold Frank and Loyce Marie (Daugherty) Dudenhoeffer.

A memorial services will be held at a later date in Grandfield, OK under the direction of Gray Funeral Home.

Clay was very proud of his military career. Over the course of 42 years, he faithfully served his country in the United States Army, the United States Navy, and the Army National Guard.

Early in his military career, Clay attended a movie where he met the love of his life, Patricia (Morrow) Dudenhoeffer. The two were united in marriage on August 03, 1956, and shared nearly 70 joyful years together as husband and wife. Their marriage was blessed with three sons: Kelvin, Kurt, and Kacey.

Throughout his life, Clay accomplished many things. He built a strong and loving marriage, helped Patricia raise their sons, and treasured the time he spent with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After his military career, Clay pursued farming along with several other professions. At one point he worked for an oil company that produced fuel used for space missions.

Farming, however, remained one of Clay's greatest passions. He took great pride in working the land and honoring his family's heritage in Oklahoma. He was especially proud that his great-grandfather and three great-uncles participated in the historic 1907 Oklahoma Land Rush.

Clay was also known for being skilled with his hands. He enjoyed woodworking, often building wooden cars for his sons and creating various projects over the years. His craftsmanship extended to helping build his family home in Oklahoma alongside other family members.

In addition to farming and woodworking, Clay had many other interests. He was a licensed pilot and provided crop dusting and appreciated his time in the air, enjoying the beauty of the world from above. When his children were young, Clay and Patricia took the family on trips to Colorado for skiing and sightseeing, and to Texas where they enjoyed water sports and skiing. Clay also enjoyed making stained glass projects and collecting fishing lures. He was a man of many talents who truly enjoyed the many experiences life had to offer.

Clay leaves behind his loving wife of 69 years, Patricia Dudenhoeffer; his three sons, Kelvin Dudenhoeffer and wife Barbara of Rolla, Missouri, Kurt Dudenhoeffer and wife Kim of Yukon, Oklahoma, and Kacey Dudenhoeffer and wife Elizabeth of Greenville, Texas.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jessica Lewis, Deborah Duncan, Lindsay Davis (Keith), Kourtney Arnett (Josh), Kellie Crews (Chris), Mackenzie Baker (Garrett), William Dudenhoeffer, and Robert Dudenhoeffer (Bekah); and by his great-grandchildren: Kahlan and Kamrey Lewis, Twylight Mitchusson, Noble Duncan, and Kayden and Karsen Davis.

Clay will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his service to his country, and his many talents and passions throughout life. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, love, and devotion that will be cherished by all who knew him.