Clay Deward Blackwell was born October 14th, 1933 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Cairo May (Wilson) and William Sterling Blackwell. He passed away in Elk City, Oklahoma on Friday, January 5th, 2024 at the age of 90 years, 2 months and 22 days.

Clay came with his family in 1945 to Elk City with his father following his job with the gas company. He attended high school at Elk City graduating in 1952. Clay furthered his education at Central State University where he met Juanita Mary (Metcalf). They were later married on July 31st, 1954 at the First Christian Church in Elk City, Oklahoma. Clay and Nita had three children, Wade William Blackwell, born August 24th, 1957, Bryan Clay Blackwell, born April 22nd, 1959, and Suzanne (Blackwell) Lalk born October 9th, 1962. In 1955, Clay joined the United States Marine Corps where he saw service stateside in California, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Ohio. He also served during the Vietnam era seeing one tour before being honorably discharged in 1976 as a Lt. Col. Throughout all the many states, Clay always remained active in youth sporting programs and could often be seen coaching football, basketball, and baseball teams that his children were involved in.

After his retirement Clay and Nita moved the family back to Elk City where he took over his mother's business, Cairo Blackwell Real Estate and Insurance Company. Clay continued in the real estate and insurance industry until 1980 when he formally retired. Shortly after retirement, Clay wasn't one to sit idle and became involved in prison ministries and together with Nita was very active in the Meals on Wheels program providing meals to many of the local residents. Clay also enjoyed trout fishing, traveling, sight seeing with Nita, and spending time with his family and friends.

With the passing of Clay, it ends the legacy of that generation of the Blackwell and Metcalf family in Elk City that began in 1945.

He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Nita.

Clay is survived by 2 sons, Wade Blackwell and wife, Allison, Weatherford, OK and Bryan Blackwell and wife, Sherri, Keller, TX; 1 daughter, Sue Lalk and husband, Wayne, Hillsboro, MO; 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and 1 on the way and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family suggest that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to Tunnel To Towers Foundation. If you scroll down to the bottom of this page there is a link provided.