I just found out about Clay's passing. I am so sorry. I hadn't seen him in years but we were in home room class together every year because both our last names ended with C. What a nice man who lit up a room and made you feel special. RIP Clay, gig 'em.

Clay, you are the love of my life, the one I was meant to be beside forever.  You saw into my soul and understood my heart.  Your laughter lifted my days and your arms warmed my nights.  I'm so glad to have shared life with you.  I love you for eternity and miss you so very much.  Penny

We will always remember Clay as being truly fun and charismatic.  He will be missed.  Thank you for the wonderful memories.

Clay, It seems as though our friendship echoes of so many others you had developed throughout your life. You had a gift. Your gift was yourself - and you gave freely to those around you. We met in junior high but did not really become friends until high school. Even though we never had any classes together - we were almost inseparable - you were my best friend - in every sense of the word. And even now writing this, I am still incredibly saddened with your passing, and yet inspired and hopeful with the thought of living, with you as an example of how to truly live. As with any gift we are given, sometimes we really don't appreciate it as much as we do when it's lost. I remember you telling me once how another mutual friend had asked you "Why do you keep looking down while you walk?" - in reference to maybe perceived insecurities. From then on, you never looked down again. I am truly proud to say that I have been, am still, and will always be your friend. God bless you and your family.

Obituary:

Austin "Clay" Calhoun, an "Aggie" of Spring, Texas passed away at age 49 on June 28, 2012. Clay was born on September 18, 1962 in Houston, Texas. Survivors include wife, Penny Calhoun,  children Austin and Miranda Calhoun, stepchildren Dylan and Shanda Brewer, parents, John and Nancy Calhoun, brother Clark Calhoun, cousin Jay Markunas, step-grandchildren Dezmon and Danica Brewer, nephews Julian Calhoun, Nicholas Calhoun, Matthew Calhoun, and nieces Madison and Samantha Markunas.

Clay will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends he made throughout his lifetime. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his brilliant mind and eternal loyalty, but most of all for his wonderful sense of humor. 

Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at the Forest Park Funeral Home of The Woodlands, Texas.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Park Woodlands Funeral Home.  Graveside services will take place at 1:30 p.m. (following the funeral) in the Aggie Field of Honor at Memorial Cemetery of College Station, Texas, where Clay will be laid to rest.

EULOGY: AUSTIN "CLAY" CALHOUN FUNERAL

For those of you that do not know me my name is Michael Khushf and I met Clay for the first time around January of 1985 (I can't believe it has been over 27 years).    
  
Clay was like a brother to me.  We met at Texas A&M while we were both in the Engineering program.   He walked up to me one day after class wearing a full length western duster, and asked me to come back to campus at 9:00 p.m. for a study group.  As you can see I am a little vertically challenged, and back then I had long hair, wore a bandanna, and rode a motorcycle.  Not exactly a standard A&M look. Clay was not a small guy, and looked very redneck in his cowboy hat, boots, and duster, so I was a little hesitant as to why this person would invite me out of the blue to come study with him.  But that was Clay.  Clay was a friend to everyone and always saw the good in people.  He had a way about him to bring people together that other people would never think belonged together.  

Clay's life is one that should inspire others to take life less seriously while still being responsible.  Clay got his engineering degree from Texas A&M and then stayed on and got his Masters degree after that.  Clay was one of the smartest people I ever knew. 

Clay was a hard worker and succeeded at every job he ever tried.  Clay has worked in New York, Canada, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and of course TEXAS !  He told Penny that now he was back he was never leaving Texas again.  Clay knew how to work hard while still maintaining the fun in life. He always had enjoyment in everything he did. While many of us complain about our jobs, Clay always talked about the people at his jobs, and how much he liked them.  He saw the BIG PICTURE. 

 Life is not about the material things we touch; it is about the people we touch.  Clay touched everyone he met.  There is the old saying “he never met a stranger”.  Well with Clay he may have met strangers, but they were never strangers for long.  Everyone loved Clay.  How couldn't you love those smiles, that laugh.  Especially if he just pulled a practical joke on you (which he loved to do). 

 Ask Jay his cousin who Clay gave a desk to.  Jay went to the University of Houston and Clay had written on the bottom of the desk “Beat the hell out of Cougar High”.  It was a long time before Jay figured it out and when he called Clay and told him “Hey cousin, I just turned my desk over” Clay just started giggling.  

 I remember the time he figured out how to run the toilet fill tube out the front of the toilet tank where you couldn't see it.  Once you flushed, it shot straight at you with no way to turn it off until you figured out what was going on.  I don't think my bathroom dried out for days.  

Clay was a great story teller.  Many of you may not know this but Clay has written 2 books.  I am not talking short stories but 2 full length books.   He decided one time that he wanted to write a book.  And unlike most people if he decided he wanted to do something he did not just talk about it… He did it !   He was an inspiration to me in so many ways.   I struggled as I prepared this as I could easily have written a novel about him.

Clay decided he wanted to get a motorcycle and start riding.  Next thing I know he had gone to the Harley dealer and bought one. He didn't even know how to ride!  He told me he spent 45 minutes in the parking lot getting the feel of the bike before he felt comfortable enough to ride it home.  Even then he told me he a nervous wreck the whole way home. How many of us would have just talked about doing something we dreamed of.  Clay was a doer when it came to life. 

Clay always enjoyed living adventures.  From the time we were in college and went hunting for the first time together (both of us being totally unprepared), to the motorcycle trip we took together to Hot Springs Arkansas back in October.  He always wanted to go on trips.  He pushed me to have adventures I would not have had otherwise.  I would tell him o.k. when he talked about a trip, and then kind of get busy with other things.  He was the one who would send me the maps, itinerary, and places to stay.  He pushed me to make decisions and to do things. For that I will be forever grateful. 

I have some property in the country and Clay loved the country.  He loved going out there and would call me up and say he needed a weekend in Khushf Country (that was his nickname for my place).  Then he would pick on me if we didn't see any hogs or deer, and tell me he was going to rename the place and take out the country and call it Khushf Farm.  Clay loved to hunt, Fish, and just be outdoors.  He loved to shoot, and to challenge me to shooting contests. In fact Clay loved to compete on everything.  We used to compete on grades, shooting, playing pool or darts.  He always liked a challenge and in doing so challenged me to be better. 

 With all the adventure that Clay liked in his life, he still knew what was important.  Clay loved his children, Austin and Miranda.  He loved them dearly and was very proud of them. I know he always wanted to spend more time with them and cherished the time he got to spend with them, as all parents do. He talked about his kids all the time, and the dreams he had for them.  They meant the world to him.   

Austin and Miranda wanted to share their memory that when they came to visit for the weekend if they even mentioned they had a craving for something in particular, such as a milkshake or ice cream, their dad always volunteered to make a run to the local mini-market  or fast food spot, no matter if it was midnight or any other time.

Clay loved Penny.   He would always tell me how smart she was and how he just enjoyed discussing things with her. He loved taking trips with her and really had good times when they would take the Motorcycle like when they headed to South Dakota.  Again, Clay never to be deterred got help from Mike Giroir and told me how Mike taught him how to load the bike in the pickup and how he made Clay practice it. Then Clay was so tickled when Mike stopped by before they left to check on them and to see how the bike was loaded.   Clay was touched that someone would care that much, but Clay brought that out in people.  He had a way of making people WANT to help.

Clay also had a way of making people get off their butts and go live life.  When Clay lived in Midland years ago he somehow managed to get me, his brother Clark, and his cousin Jay all to fly up to midland, where we then proceeded to drive out to Ruidoso New Mexico because Clay wanted to go there and thought it would be fun if we all went together. I know that all of us still have great memories from that trip.  No one else could have even dreamed that up, Clay made it happen.

I could go on for days telling stories, but I know each of you have your own, and I trust you will always cherish those memories.

Clay was a great friend and a wonderful Man.  He loved his family, he loved Texas, he loved Texas A&M, and most importantly he loved God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.  He always wore his cross necklace.  I asked him why, and he said with everything going on in the world he wanted everyone to know where he stood.

Clay loved life and he loved people.  His death has come as a shock to all of us because he was taken from us way too young.    I know that he has influenced me for the better, and not having him here anymore will always be a major void.  My life will be greatly affected by his passing.  His joy was contagious.  I love him like a brother, and am so happy I've told him that to his face.  Clay will forever be missed, but I know in the right time, we will meet him again.  I know for a fact that he is in Heaven now. He will be there to greet us with a big smile on his face (and probably a practical joke or two).  I hope all of you will use his life as an inspiration to reach higher, to live your life with joy, and to not always take things so seriously.  I know Clay would want it that way.

Author: MIchael Khushf


FACTS ABOUT CLAY'S BIRTH DATE / YEAR

Clay was born September 18, 1962 (Tuesday)

The Houston Colt 45's beat the NY Mets 6 to 1 in NY

U.S. Marine Corps helicopters flew a combat mission from Da Nang, South Vietnam, for the first time. 

The Virginian, The Jetson's, The Lucy show, and McHale's navy all premiered on TV.

How the west was won, The Man who shot liberty Valence,  Dr. No,  Lawrence of Arabia, To Kill a Mockinbird, and Girls! Girls! Girls! With Elvis Presley came out in the Movies.

Lewis Wesley Cutrer served as Mayor of Houston (and terminal “C” is named after him)

 John F Kennedy was president and Lyndon Johnson was Vice President

Clay in this life there are few people that leave some of themselves wherever they go and with whomever they meet. I was one of those persons who you left a lifelong impression on. I am greatfull for the short time we spent together working and having fun. You taught me that they both could be done at the same time. Work Hard Play Hard! I always think of you and Mike Stubbs so often. I think of you as the hunting seasons change and when I hear gunshots in the distance. I still laugh out loud when I think of some of the things we pulled on each other. Always wanting to get the best of one another. You always had the deepest passion in everything you did it was great to see. As for the deepest passion you had which was to love Penny, anyone could truly see it. You will be missed my friend and always remembered. Thank you for allowing me to be your friend. May God be with Penny and the kids. Goodbye till I see you again.

Austin "C"- From the first day we met in a weightlifting class our freshman year at A&M we had a bond. I cant describe all of the stuff we did together, but I do remember sneaking you into the Sibisa mess hall for all you can eat and trying to drag you out! I also remember when we broke down in Hempstead in my old pickup with no money and had to barter 2 hot beers and a cigar for a jump start. Unfortunatley our lives got busy and we didnt see each other the last few years. 

I was so sorry to hear of your passing and I want you to know you have a new job now. My 20 year old son Reese, left this world the same day you did and I know you are taking care of him.

Penny, John, Nancy, and Clark please accept my condolences and thank you for sharing your wonderful husband, son, and brother with me.

My thoughts of Clay continue. It was a huge loss when he departed Lectrus, but now it's even worse. I always knew that I would run into Clay outside of Lectus and would still be considered his friend. What a true caring person. It is difficult to put into words my feelings for Clay, he will missed dearly. I wish his family the best and want them to know Clay touched all of us with the kindness of his heart. Love ya man!!!!!!!!

I just found out today of Clay's sudden passing and I am so, so sad for his family, wife and children and all those that loved and cared so much for him.  He is proof that the truly good seem to die young as he was a good, no a great man who made this world a better place.  He was my friend and I will miss him.

I am so, so sorry to hear about Clay.  I was shocked to hear that he had passed.  I know he lived a good life with a lot of people who loved him.  To Penny and the rest of Clay's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am shocked and saddened by this news.  My old buddy will be missed and missed deeply and affectionately....

I had the honor of knowing Clay when we worked together for KONE.  Clay was not only a colleague, but after knowing him for a couple of years, he felt like a special Texas brother to me.  He was always happy, honest, and his Texas humor was unique and enjoyable.  He challenged me every day, joking with me, and the term “pulling my leg” became very familiar.  I, as a European, did not know what it meant, but boy did I learn fast.  Clay really introduced me and my family to Texas hospitality, friendliness, and fairness.  Clay can truly take credit for the fact that my daughter Katharina is now an Aggie.  

I will never forget the numerous hunting trips we took together or playing golf in Kansas, when freezing rain was causing the tops of our gold clubs to ice over.  Or, going to STARS hockey games with a family pass – because it was cheaper!

Clay was able to assess new circumstances very quickly and take the best out of them, like learning Finnish during our trip to Europe and building a great vocabulary in a very short time.  Clay used to confuse me and my wife by using Finnish sentences once in a while.  We think he was studying Finnish behind our backs!  That just shows us again his great interest for new things and his desire to learn something new every day.

Me and my family will miss Clay tremendously and he can be proud of his life, and that he made my family and me as Texan as Europeans can be!  Clay, you will always stay in our hearts. .... Harri Ojala, Finland

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.Clay it was a pleasure knowing and working with you. Until we meet again rest in peace my friend.

I didn't know you for very long but greatly enjoyed the conversations, knowledge, and advice you gave me. Thank you

I am so very glad to have been able to spend time with Clay and Penny on several occasions. I know that I will never forget someone that I thought highly of and I also called (MY FRIEND). I will never forget you and your family.

Clay, You are a good man and I sure will never forget you. My heart goes out to your family. See you in El Paso.

RIP Clay.  You are a good man and will not be forgotten

I know that Clay Calhoun was well loved and respected. He had great character and a big heart. RIP

Thank you all your help.You will be missed,hope to meet again in our next life.God Bless untill we meet again

Nancy, John, Clark, Penny and family,
    Dad and I are heartbroken to hear of Clay's passing, called home too early, too soon.  Nancy and John, I remember your bringing Clay to church the first time and thinking he was such a pretty baby. You were so proud and excited, and grew ever more proud and excited as he turned into a delightful boy and young man. It's been a long while since we've seen Clay or Clark, but we've kept up through friends and we know you are still so proud of both of them.  Our hearts break for all of you in this sorrowful time.  May wonderful memories of good times sustain you through your grief. We love you all.
Judy Key and Gene Leavelle

I will never forget, the Kc trip. I will never forget how fun spirited u are. Wish there was more time with u. I will see u again. I love and miss u always.

My condolences to the family of Mr. Calhoun. May you be comforted by looking forward to a end to all causes of death and the heartaches it brings.

Just wanted to say bye. We will miss you Clay. It was nice working with you. I know that you will be showing God the gun that you are wanting to buy like you always did me.
                      Calvin

Extending my deep and heartfelt sympathy to the Calhoun family. Clay's kind soul and giving spirit touched so many and will never be forgotten. May God Bless you and your family.

Clay, we had ourselves some good times and lots of laughs at A&M.  Your memory will live on my friend! I will miss you for now and say so long but some glorius day we will meet again!  My prayers and thoughts are with your family.

Family and friends of Clay are in my prayers. May God keep you close to his heart during this time of need. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

GOD thank you for putting this man in my path...its persons like clay that make this world with a smile, its so incredible...cant wait to see you again clay in our 2nd destination....lots of love to you and your love ones.....

Clay and Penney,
Steve and I had just gotten to know you when y'all came to our BnB a couple of weekends ago.  We instantly felt like we made new friends. We enjoyed visiting with you guys. We knew you were good people and such fun to be around. We will treasure the short time we had to know Clay.

I had the pleasure to work with Clay and we went on a couple of very fun business trips together, "Boon-doggles" as he called them.  The last thing he told me was one of the funniest jokes I ever heard...he always made people laugh and smile.  Clay will be sorely missed.  God Bless

In your time of sorrow may God lift your heart to a place of peace, remembrance of joy, and infinite strength.  We will miss Clay - his sense of humor, his positive outlook and his ingenuity.

Clay,
the jokes an laughs we would have when you would come out and visit me in the office, the food you would cook for the team sometimes made us wonder, what was really in it!! "Lol" but it was good & we enjoyed it. Clay, your truly going to be missed, it was a great pleasure working with you, may you rest in peace.....

John 16:33   
 I have told you these things so that you will have peace of heart and mind, Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but cheer up, for I have overcome the world,
Never alone "I am with you always, Jesus"

Please accept my deepest thoughts and prayers.  I met Clay in elementary school and we were classmates through graduation.  Clay always had a big smile on his face and laughed a lot.  Please know that the SWHS Class of 1981 will remember him always.

I had only known Clay for a short time, but he made an impact on me as if I had known him for many years! I would go into his office and tell him my needs or suggestions and he not only would listen, but write them down and then, if possible, act on my request. He is the one that got me who and what I needed to do my job and I will always remember him for that. I along with you and many others will miss him very much. Harvey Schultz

Going to miss Clay here at TruboFab, our thought will keep him alive, and memroies of him. God Bless You All.

I worked with Clay and he was always smiling and easy goin was the type of person when you finished talking with him you seem to just feel better.
Clay will be missed 

Billy Davis TurboFab

Dear Penny and all of Clays family,  My heart is broken for all of you.  He was such  a great guy.  Mike loved him so as do I.  May God Bless and Keep you.  Donna Stubbs

Through this road we travel in life we come across pepole who touch our souls, Clay, you were one who touched mine and stood with me in the time you saw i needed help to stand and held me up untill i could stand for myself. In my heart and soul you will always be.

I extend my love and prayers to the Calhoun family.  Clay and I worked together for the last 2 years and I, like everyone, was shocked to hear of his passing.  Clay's devotion to his peers and passion for his work will be truly missed.

Clay will be greatly missed here at TurboFab. He is one of the nicest man to everyone that he came in contact with.  May God wrap you & family in His arms during this difficult time. God Bless your family."

Our prayers are with the family that your strength holds during this time.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philoppians 4:7 
Ron Collier

Clay, 
Your big heart and passion for your employees will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers for the Calhoun family.

"Clay, sorry we never got to make it to play some golf.  Maybe we will meet up in the afterlife.  We will miss you, your Buddy, Lupe.

Clay will be greatly missed,my prays are there for the family and friends, in reguards,
 Cory Lovett

"Clay, You will be greatly missed by all of us that got to meet you at Caterpillar, Solar Inc. and TurboFab."  "May you rest in peace."

Lupe Rodriguez-H.R. Mgr./Houston & Channelview, Tx.

Penny, may the peace and warmth of God bring comfort to your heart and to Clay's family at this time.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

It was a pleasure to have known and worked with Clay. My life is better for having known him. He was a straight shooter who told you what was on his mind.

Rest easy. We will see you, on down the road a ways.

Penny, I am so sorry for your loss, I wish I could be there but do to distance and all I cant, Clay will truly be missed dearly and was a truly good person.

I'll always remember Clay's gentle spirit and big smile. May God comfort your family in this difficult time.

Clay was a positive influence on me in a time when I was not happy with myself. He will always be remembered as a good man and a good friend. I can't imagine not seeing him anymore or hearing his jokes/laughter, but hope to see him again someday. Clay has gone to "join the best"-he was one of the best Aggies I have ever known. Gig'em Clay, we love you.

Dear Nancy, John and family:
sometimes there are no words that can reveal the feelings of the heart, but please accept my deepest thoughts of you & my prayer that God will comfort you during the time of this tragic loss of your dear son, Clay.  In our Savior's name,

Clay, you were an amazing person. It was my privilege to get to know you, your wonderful wife and your great friends over the years. Every time I saw you there was a smile on your face and laughter in your voice. You were truly loved and adored. You will be greatly missed. It was an honor knowing you. My thoughts and prayers are with you Penny, and your family, especially as you go through this difficult time. We are here for you when you need someone to talk to or to get away. 

Love your friends at Fridays,
Angie

There  were a handfull of men who had an impact on my life....it was only a few months ago that I was doubting my ability and he sent me a message...all it said was "John I know you and your mind can do anything" I'll see you again brother you'll surely be waiting by the door......

the friendship was at work the words you made me laugh and make things do right make better you said strive for what you believe so i keep doing every effort the key is knowledge thank you clay

Penny
I am so sorry to hear of Clay's passing.  He was a great guy and will be missed by everyone that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Alice Dobbeleare, KONE Inc.

Penny, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your and Clays families.

Such a sudden and tragic loss. Your presence will be missed by so many. To my sister Penny, I am so sorry for this tragedy and the loss of Clay, whom you loved so deeply. Words cannot express the pain you must feel, and words cannot make that pain go away. Just know that you are held in prayer and thoughts by many. Debi Reed

Terribly sad for your loss of Clay.  It's too soon.  It's way too soon.   I lost my father when he was young.  40 years later I still remember his life and how well he lived it.  So to Austin & Miranda, Dylan & Shanda I offer you some thoughts from my own experience...Remember the joy and the humor in his life and carry that with you and know you have your own Guardian Angel now.   God Bless  

John Robison

Clay you truly were my best friend and the love of my life.  There are simply no words that come close to expressing the depth of my love for you. Thank you for choosing me to be your wife and for all of your patience through the twelve years we shared. I miss you so very much, but will be eternally grateful for every moment I was privileged to have with you from the instant we met. You were such an amazing person.  We traveled this country from one end to the other, and then some.  Those memories will always be with me.  Thank you for the wonderful birthday you gave me on the day of your passing.  I will always cherish those memories and am so blessed that God allowed me to be by your side during the last hours and minutes of your life.  My love forever.  Penny

Your passion, joy, laughter, and your practical jokes (of course) will live on!  We will miss you, Cuz!

I'm so shocked & sorry for your loss of Clay.  I pray God will comfort all his loved ones through this difficult time of grief.

No words can express my sorrow at hearing of Clay's passing.  May God wrap you in His arms during this difficult time.  God Bless your family.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Clay Calhoun

18 septembre 1962 – 28 juin 2012

Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery

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