John Clay

John Traynor Clay November 16, 1941 February 1, 2022
Traynor Clay, age 80, of Durango, Colorado, died at his home, Tuesday, February 1, 2022. He was born November 16, 1941 at Dodge City, Kansas the son of John Harold and Mary (Trainor) Clay. He attended school in Meade, Kansas and graduated from Meade High School in 1959. He was an alternate to go to the Air Force Academy before moving to Denver, Colorado for a short time before going back to Meade to work in the oilfield. He then was drafted into the Army in 1966 and served as a road and bridge building engineer during the Viet Nam war from 1967 to 1968. After being honorably discharged, he and his cousin Gordon Hatfield bought a gas station/mechanic shop in Castle Rock, Colorado. After the dissolution of the partnership, he became involved in the custom combining business before moving to a ranch near Strasburg, Colorado where he drove a semi truck for Safeway for many years. In 1978, he moved to Casa Grande, Arizona to drive a semi truck in partnership with Gordon Hatfield. In 1980 Traynor moved to Meade where he became involved in farming and raising cattle while being employed as a driller and drilling consultant in the oil and gas industry. Later he bought his own semi truck and moved to Durango, Colorado where he lived with his wife Donna Ra. This became his base of operation where he then started his own trucking company hauling freight coast to coast. He acquired many lifelong friends and quietly helped those in need financially and in other ways as well. He got his pilot license and bought an airplane to fly when he had time as a hobby. He was an avid reader of many books and self educated himself on many subjects. He liked to discuss politics and the common sense facts of life. He had a heart of gold and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Traynor surrounded by LOVE from those that knew you.
He is survived by his wife Donna Ra of Durango, Colorado; four sons, Val De Clay of New Hampton, Missouri, Brent Bond of Clearwater, Kansas, Jerad Clay of San Antonio, Texas, and Gary (Rabbit) Greener of Midland, Texas; three brothers, Lance Clay of Pensacola, Florida, Barry Clay of Alsea, Oregon, Blaise Clay of Durango, Colorado; three sisters, Lissa McBride of Mobile, Alabama, Heather Davis of Meade, Kansas, Lori Crain of Meade, Kansas; and multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister Sheila Scribner and an infant son Shawn Clay.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 11:00 am in the Graceland Cemetery, Meade, Kansas.
Any donations by check may be sent to Quartermaster, VFW Post 4031, 1550 Main St., Durango, Colorado 81301 or by credit card to website; VFW 4031.org.