Clarence "Kelly" Gaylon Sturtevant, 81, formerly of Sloan and Hornick IA passed away September 16, 2015 at ORMC Hospital in Odessa, TX. He was born December 13, 1933 to Lyle & Alma (Tucker) Sturtevant in Perry Township, Iowa. He was raised on a dairy farm in Poplar, WI. He has one surviving sister, Betty Henneous, of Hornick IA.
He married Susan C Bong on December 27, 1952. Five children were born to this marriage. Sons Dan Bong of Surprise AZ, Jay Bong of Reno NV, Dana Bong and Blaze Bong both from Washington. Daughter, Zana McHarg precedes him in death. Kelly leaves seven grandchildren and one great grandchild from this union. Susan Bong preceded him in death.
On April 16, 1982 Kelly married Maxine (Kinnaman) Means who precedes him in death. He embraced seven step-children in this marriage. Step-sons Steve Means, deceased, Craig (Tobilyn) Means of Lake Havasau AZ, Guy (Mary) Means of Odessa TX, and step-daughters Kathy (Stan) Buchholz of Truesdale IA, Michelle (Craig) Mondragon of Colorado Springs CO, Melanie (Kevin) Stone of Gresham OR, and Lisa (Bryan) Fox of Pineville MO. From this marriage Kelly leaves 17 step-grandchildren, 12 step-great grandchildren, and 1 step-great grandchild who preceded him in death.
Kelly served in the US Army stationed at Fort Knox KY. He was an Engineering Equipment Mechanic and Foreman. He loved WWII era planes and pursued a Private Pilot license after his military service.
He was a truck driver and owned a repair shop in Hornick IA. He also was employed at the grain elevator in Hornick. When Maxine and Kelly moved to Sloan he worked at Mike’s repair shop.
Kelly appreciated good conversation and never met a stranger. He enjoyed many crafts; WWII air planes and classic car models, wood carving, and working with polymer clays. He was a fan of the Commemorative Air Force and attended many air shows while visiting family.
In retirement Kelly and Maxine moved to Colorado Springs CO near step-daughter Michelle and later to Odessa TX near step-son Guy. Soon they both began to experience health problems. They took care of each other until his health declined to the point he required nursing home care. Maxine passed away October 14, 2013 shortly after Kelly entered the nursing home. Kelly was extremely ill for several months before his death and passed away due to complications from sepsis and pneumonia.