Clayton “Clay” Thelen

Clayton D. Thelen, 83, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, September 25, 2014 at Pardee Memorial Hospital.

Clay was devoted to Christ as a Christian. He was a member of Hendersonville First Baptist Church and also actively supported the Hispanic/English church, Vision Jesus. He cared very much for people, never meeting a stranger. After his service in the US Air Force, he became a professional truck driver for Youngblood and then ABF, where he was awarded many times for his safe driving. In his care of people he delivered firewood to those in need, drove the golden oldies out for lunch, was in the Lions Club, gave blood and platelets for many years. He was a West High Booster. He was known for being an avid cap collector.

He is survived by the most treasured people in his life, his loving wife, Caroline Ray Thelen and two sisters Rosie Lenz and Addie Radar in Jefferson, Wisconsin; Geraldine Wilkie, sister-in-law, her husband Oren, (who was his buddy that introduced Clay to Caroline so many years ago) and Aunt Henrietta Walker; his children, Melanie LeDoux and husband Kirk, Sonja Underwood, Cathy Thelen, Terry Thelen and wife Brenda, and Kelly Mercado and husband Pastor Mauricio; seventeen grandchildren, Nathan Underwood, Justin Underwood, wife Joleen, Cameron Underwood, wife Anahi, Logan Underwood, Preston LeDoux, wife Perla, Roman LeDoux, Wyatt LeDoux, James and Jesse Converse, Nick Thelen, Colby Thelen, Sofia, Zuriel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Lily, and Isabella Mercado; three great-grandchildren and two on the way, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM Sunday, September 28, 2014 at Naples Baptist Church with Pastor Mauricio Mercado officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 ñ 6:30 PM today, September 27, at Shuler Funeral Home.