Bernard Clay Schmeltekopf was born on July 22, 1954, but we all knew him as Clay… or partner, primo, jack, 228, El Burro, along with many other fun nicknames, or his most beloved, Papa. Clay was called home to his Lord on Thursday the 29th of September, 2021. Clay is survived by his wife Diane, son Randall and his wife Morgen, grandson Carter Clay, Joshua Orr and family, mother Peggy Schmeltekopf, sister Diana and her husband Robert Jones, and their children Casey and Kyle as well as countless nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins across the Schmeltekopf and extended family.
Clay was an avid, to say the least, hunter and fisherman and friend to nearly everyone he came across. Clay was proud of his 5th generation Texan heritage dating back to the “Come and Take It” cannon, and treasured passing this down to his son and grandson.
Clay was an amazing husband, friend, dad, second dad, and so many other things to so many. Even in his final days, he was making post-hospital plans, inviting nurses and doctors to hunt and fish with him upon a recovery he fully expected. His positive outlook mixed with wonderful coarse dry humor made him a magnet for many.
Papa was taken from us too early but said his good buddy God was talking to him and he was ok if he was called. Clay’s tenacious view of the world brought people closer together and closer to the Lord during this time, ensuring his fight ultimately ended in a victory of a higher cause. He will be incredibly missed.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family would appreciate charitable contributions to the Seton Hays Foundation or support your local nurses and doctors who are truly everyday heroes.
Services were held in San Marcos on October 5, 2021, with burial at Memory Lawn Memorial Park in Martindale, Texas.
Arrangements in care of Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche, San Marcos, Texas
512-353-4311 ~ www.penningtonfuneralhome.com
