Clay Frank Dudenhoeffer

Clay Frank Dudenhoeffer, age 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2026, in Rolla, Missouri. Born on December 24, 1933, in Grandfield, Oklahoma, to the late Harold Frank and Loyce Marie (Daugherty) Dudenhoeffer, Clay lived a life defined by service, devotion to family, and a deep connection to the land.

He was proud of his 42-year military career, during which he served in the United States Army, the United States Navy, and the Army National Guard. Early in his service, he met the love of his life, Patricia (Morrow) Dudenhoeffer, at a movie theater. They married on August 3, 1956, and shared nearly 70 joyful years together. Their marriage was blessed with three sons: Kelvin, Kurt, and Kacey. Clay and Patricia built a strong and loving home, raising their boys while creating cherished memories with their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After his military years, Clay turned to farming, a lifelong passion that honored his family’s Oklahoma roots. He took special pride in the fact that his great-grandfather and three great-uncles had participated in the historic 1907 Oklahoma Land Rush. Skilled with his hands, he enjoyed woodworking, building wooden cars for his sons and helping construct the family home. He was also a licensed pilot who found joy in crop dusting and viewing the world from above. Clay and Patricia enjoyed family trips to Colorado for skiing and sightseeing and to Texas for water sports. He found additional pleasure in making stained glass projects and collecting fishing lures.

Clay is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Patricia Dudenhoeffer; his three sons, Kelvin Dudenhoeffer and wife Barbara of Rolla, Missouri, Kurt Dudenhoeffer and wife Kim of Yukon, Oklahoma, and Kacey Dudenhoeffer and wife Elizabeth of Greenville, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jessica Lewis, Deborah Duncan, Lindsay Davis (Keith), Kourtney Arnett (Josh), Kellie Crews (Chris), Mackenzie Baker (Garrett), William Dudenhoeffer, and Robert Dudenhoeffer (Bekah); and by his great-grandchildren: Kahlan and Kamrey Lewis, Twylight Mitchusson, Noble Duncan, and Kayden and Karsen Davis. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his service to his country, and the many talents and passions that enriched his life and the lives of those around him.