CLYDE WENDELL SHAY, 88, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Saturday morning, January 28, 2012 at Via Christi Regional Medical Center in Wichita.

Born on July 9, 1923 in Winfield, Kansas, he was the youngest of seven children born to Clyde C. and Winifred (Martin) Shay. He was raised and received his education in Winfield and graduated from Winfield High School in 1941.

He was a talented baseball player and played in the Ban Johnson league and for farm teams of the White Sox. A veteran of World War II, Clyde proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at various bases around the United States and played baseball in the service league. Clyde pitched a game against famous hitter Ted Williams during which he held Williams hitless. While stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming, he met Wilda West when he fell at her feet at a roller skating rink.

They were united in marriage on July 20, 1945, as World War II was ending and the couple moved to Winfield where they have made their home. Clyde took up the trade of his father and was a painting and wallpaper hanging contractor in Winfield for 40 years, taking great pride in his craft.

Clyde attended the Evangelical Free Church (presently Cornerstone Bible Fellowship) and was a member of the American Legion Post #10. His hobbies included fishing, watching ballgames and he loved nature. Clyde was skilled at carpentry and home remodeling. He was a fine singer all of his life and loved to sing hymns and Christmas carols. Clyde loved his family and he loved Jesus. He was a source of quiet and steady strength, faith, understanding, gentle humor and an inspiration to all. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and will be dearly missed.

His family includes:
His wife Wilda of 66 years;
His son: Randy Shay and wife Vicky of Winfield, KS;
His daughter: Denise Shay Downum and husband Christian;
His 6 grandchildren: Stephanie Hider, Bryan Shay and wife Eva, Lori Thomas, Jenifer Shay, Ellen Downum and Brendon Downum; and
His 4 great-grandchildren: Shay Hider, Greyson Lee, Tavia Shay an Harrison Shay.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant son, Dennis and a daughter Janice in 2009.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Military committal honors will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

A memorial has been established in Mr. Shay's name for Cornerstone Bible Fellowship in Winfield. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.