Clayton Lee Crenshaw, 90, passed away on September 22, 2024, in Wichita, Kansas.

Son of Clayton Albert and Grace Evelyn (Rouse) Crenshaw, he was born April 25, 1934, in El Dorado, Arkansas and preferred the nickname Clay.  He served in the Airforce from 1955 to 1957 and was stationed both in the US and overseas in South Korea.  At the end of his tour, he met and married his wife Mary and pursued a master's degree from the University of Kansas in Lawrence. He then spent the rest of his life as an educator in colleges and high schools teaching primarily Drama.

Clay and Mary Louise Rand married September 25, 1957, in Scott City, Kansas and they grew their family to 9 with the birth of 7 children: Becky, Butch, Jim, Mike, Chuck, Larry and Beth.  In 1977, Clay and Mary separated by divorce. Clay met and married Judith (Judy) Ray Harris on March 18th, 1989, which added Judy's child Stacey to the family.  He remained married to Judy up until her death in 2022.

Clay was a devoted educator who taught thousands of students about his passion, the theater.  Students often referred to him as God because they would often hear him pronounce from the back of the auditorium, in his thunderous voice, "I cannot hear you."  Former students mention this story over and over as their favorite memory of Clay.

Clay did more than just teach drama.  He was also active in Wichita's theater circuit performing in plays.  He even auditioned and was selected to perform in a few national tv commercials.

Clay was quickly adored by those that met him.  He was a religious man and regularly attended church. He could have a long conversation with someone he had just met as if he had known them for years, a trait all his children enjoyed complaining about.  He will be remembered for his kind, loving, caring, and humorous personality. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Pat, his first wife Mary, and his second wife Judy.

He is survived by his sister Dianne, his children Becky, Stacey, Beth, Butch, Jim, Mike, Chuck and Larry, 17 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Clay donated his body to KU Medical to be used for science and education.  He will be returned to us in approximately one year.  Upon his return, arrangements will be made for a memorial service and military flag ceremony.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Ks.