Clay Michael Oatman passed away after a brief illness on January 22, 2025 in Gainesville, Texas.

Clay was born January 14, 1956, in Wichita Falls, Texas to Jim and Grethe Oatman, the third of four children. Clay enjoyed his school years in Wichita Falls and graduated from Rider High School where he made many lifetime friendships. Clay then attended Texas Tech University, where he received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering.

After receiving his degree, Clay spent his engineering career in the design of oil and gas processing equipment. He began that career with Engelman General Inc. in Wichita Falls, Texas and spent the last twenty-one years working for Forum Energy Technologies where he was well respected.

Clay was known for his sense of humor, pranks and sharp wit. He knew any kind of trivia you could mention and could have a knowledgable conversation on just about any topic. In his younger years, Clay spent many summer days water skiing with his friends. Clay enjoyed traveling in the western states with friends and collecting western art and artifacts. He was also interested in quarter horses, race horses and the family farms.

Clay is predeceased by his parents Jim and Grethe Oatman and his brother Mark Oatman. He is survived by brother and sister-in-law Gary and Brenda Oatman and sister and brother-in-law Lisa and Terry Prater, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

There will be a visitation Thursday evening, January 30th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home in Wichita Falls. A funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Kemp Blvd. in Wichita Falls on Friday, January 31st at 10:00 am followed by a graveside service at Crestview Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be David Turnbow, Bruce Byrd, Greg Sweatt, Kenneth Burross, Barry Butler and Curtis Sullivan.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

Keep the memories and stories of Clay flowing. In his own words, "Did I tell you about the time...."