Clayton “Clay” Thelen

January 29, 1931 - September 25, 2014
Clayton “Clay” Thelen

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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.


Service

Sunday, September 28, 2014
12:00 AM

Naples Baptist Church - Directions
2 Rugby Drive
Hendersonville, NC 28791

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  • September 27, 2014
    Blayne & Barbara Turner says:
    We are sorry for your loss. Clay was a good friend and good neighbor and will be missed by all. Our prayers are with you. Blayne & Barbara Turner

  • September 29, 2014
    Hal and Gerri Gordon and Young Hal says:
    Caroline, Terry and All of the Thelen family. What a wonderful man. He was loved by so many of us. We had so many fun times with the West Henderson's Boosters. Clay was a big part of our success. We truly were a "family" with so much Christian love in our group. We will be remembering your family in our prayers. Stay strong and God Bless You.Love, the Gordon's, Hal Gerri and Young Hal.

  • September 30, 2014
    Hymon,Family says:
    My sincere condolences to the family take comfort in God's word the Bible at James 4:8 draw close to God and he will draw close to you. Also at Revelation 21:3,4 death will be of the pass. Please go to JW.org and read about death being of the pass.