In Loving Memory of Winfield Jay Scott

Winfield Jay Scott died in the arms of his Lord early Tuesday morning, March 25th, at the ripe young age of 100 years, 1 month, and 1 day.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 31, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Clayton, New Mexico, with Rev. Hilario Perez officiating. Burial will follow in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton.

Winfield was born on February 24, 1925, to Parrish Sydney Scott and Verna Maddie (Stubblefield) Scott at their little adobe home 20 miles northwest of Texhoma, Oklahoma. Winfield was the second-born of six children, and was 6-7 years old when the Dust Bowl hit Oklahoma. He remembered his mom hanging wet blankets and towels over the windows, but there was still a thick layer of dirt on everything. He said many times he didn’t know why his parents stayed, but they did. Winfield attended a country school two miles from his house, and for the first 6 years, he really did have to walk to school rain, snow, or shine. After finishing the 8th grade in 1939, Winfield started working until he went to boot camp.

Winfield went to boot camp in September of 1943 at the age of 19, in Faragut, Idaho, which was located 40 miles from Canada. He finished up his training on February 12th, 1944. World War II was in progress, and the 130th Seabees were gathered from all over the US until 72 arrived in California. Winfield and the rest of the crew were on a ship for 40 days and nights. Winfield was a machine operator. He operated a crane, and one of his main jobs was to knock down walls in Manila. Winfield was overseas for 18 months. When the war was over, he returned to the States during a railroad strike. He was concerned about getting home, but Winfield said President Truman took care of that quickly, telling all those on strike to go back to work or he would draft them.

After returning from the war in 1946, Winfield and his brothers bought a small piece of land in Sedan, New Mexico, and in 1947, he and his brothers convinced his parents to move to Sedan with them. Winfield spent the rest of his working life farming and ranching. Winfield was a very hard worker and loved helping his neighbors. If you ever asked Winfield what he did for fun, he would say, “I worked. That is what I did.” However, he was awfully hard to beat in a hand of dominoes. Winfield loved farming and ranching but especially loved the ranching. He missed being a cattleman until the day he passed. He said his cows were more like his pets. And, he had a little red mare that he loved. Winfield decided it was time to retire and moved to town in 2000.

Winfield married Edna Okanee (Hale) Scott on August 24, 1961, in Clayton, New Mexico and she preceded him in death on March 7, 1975.

Winfield accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior around 1966. His wife, Okanee and Pastor David Burkhalter helped lead him to Christ. They talked him into going to a revival in Sedan. He heard the plan of salvation for the first time and decided he needed forgiveness of sins and God to be the Lord of his life.

Winfield loved the Lord and loved his churches. He faithfully served his church at Sedan and First Baptist Church of Clayton for many years. Winfield was a deacon at FBC Clayton. He was active and faithful in all his church activities, earning him the nickname “Old Faithful”.

Winfield was also active in the community, serving on the Soil and Water Conservation Board for 9 years. He was a part of the Sedan riding club, Bustin’ Burrs and was the president for several years. He was active in the local VFW pos,t serving as chaplain for many years. In fact, he was the oldest active VFW chaplain in the state of New Mexico. He was also the oldest living World War II veteran in the state of New Mexico. The VFW even honored him with his own personal parking spot. He was also active in the American Legion and the Clayton Senior Citizens.

In addition to his wife and parents, Winfield was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Lawrence A. Scott, Randolph Tom “RT” Scott and Anson Scott.

SURVIVORS:

1 BROTHER: James Claude Scott

1 SISTER: Elmadene Fay (Scott) Kropp

1 SISTER-IN-LAW: Shirley Scott

4 STEP-GRANDCHILDREN: Tammy Gonzales, Michelle Sisneros & husband Max, Ernest Gonzales & wife Sharon, and Billy Gonzales & wife Annette.

30 Step-great-grandchildren and 8 step-great-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Winfield was loved and will be missed by many friends and neighbors.

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