Clay Burchard, age 64, died Wednesday, January 6, 2016 on the Burchard Ranch near Folsom, New Mexico.
Memorial services were held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines, New Mexico with John Bellew officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton, New Mexico.
Even when there’s not a happy ending, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good story. The story of Clay’s life is a good story and one filled with love. His story is one to be shared and celebrated.
Clay Lynn Burchard was born in Raton, NM on November 4, 1951. On this day the world gained a tender soul, and the makers of Smucker’s strawberry jam gained a life-long customer. Clay graduated from Des Moines High School in May of 1969 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Sociology at ENMU.
It was during his time in Portales that he had the good fortune to ask Jaynee Ellis on a date and then marry her a year and a half later. The happy couple decided to continue college life at NMSU where they perused master’s degrees and enjoyed stock car racing.
In 1980 they moved home where Clay had the good fortune of becoming a father to Amy. The two of them were too much alike to get along most of the time, but they shared a great love for each other and Clay could always be counted on for great advice, wholehearted forgiveness and unwavering support.
Several years later Clay had the very best fortune imaginable. He became Grandad to Jacob Ellis Burchard. Clay was a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a whole lot best friend. The two enjoyed each other’s company and could often be found reading, swinging in the backyard, or shooting nerf guns at one another. Clay was blessed again when Amy met Jeremy Moser. He gained a son-in law and a new friend. Jeremy brought with him Chloe, Huston and Pyper. In an instant, the size of Clay’s family doubled!
In 2013 Clay sold his beloved shops and most of his equipment so that he and Jaynee could move to Guymon with Amy. He bought her a beautiful brick home and settled into city life. He loved going to the movies and attending the kids games and programs as his health allowed.
Clay loved steel, concrete and heavy equipment of all varieties. He loved bailing alfalfa. Clay loved caring for the mutts (and cats) that Amy consistently brought home from the pound.
Clay loved people. He was genuinely interested and invested in people with whom he spent time. Clay loved his nieces and nephews and enjoyed watching them grow and have families of their own. Clay loved naps and hot chocolate and teasing and embarrassing his wife and daughter.
Clay loved guns, ammo and the NRA Whittington Center. He enjoyed going to gun shows with his friends. Clay loved to read. Military history was a favorite. Shotgun News was a must.
He loved grace at mealtimes and prayed together with family often. His love for these things bring joy to his family as they become cherished memories and reminders of the life he lived.
His family is happy that the darkness in his life has been illuminated in death. He now lives in the light with his beloved grandparents, parents, sister in law and other extended family and friends who have gone before him.
