Clay

Marlin J. Clay, 82, of Mars, passed away on Sunday morning, Jan. 22, 2023, at St. John Specialty Care Center in Mars.

Born in Rockwood, Somerset County, on March 4, 1940, he was the son of the late Clarence and Velma Shumaker Clay.

Marlin was a schoolteacher for the Mars Area School District, and had developed the visual arts program. He taught art at Mars High School for 35 years. He served as chairman of the fine arts curriculum team for most of his career at Mars. He coordinated the annual kindergarten through 12th grade Arts Showcase at Mars for many years. Marlin produced, served as stage manager, built the sets and sponsored the stage crew for plays and musicals for about 40 years at Mars High School. He was a gifted sketch artist and painter. Marlin and his late wife, Carol, were in charge of the refreshment stand for athletic events at the Mars Area School District stadium.

He had coached various community girls softball teams for many years. He was a beloved teacher and became a positive role model for generations of students.

He and Carol enjoyed working at estate auctions, collecting antiques, especially American Flyer model trains. Marlin was an auto collector, and had specialized in collecting Ford Mustangs. He was also a member of the Mars Area History and Landmarks Society.

Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Michele “Shellee” Klingensmith Clay of Cranberry Township; his grandchildren, Morgan Kathleen Clay and Marshall Kincaid Clay; and his sister, Marsha Ream of Somerset.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Kincaid Clay, whom he married on Oct. 6, 1962, and who died on Dec. 26, 2019; a daughter, Kathleen Ann Clay; and a son, Michael J. Clay.

CLAY — Friends of Marlin J. Clay, who died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, are invited to a celebration of life from noon until 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Luciano’s Italian Brick Oven, 161 Scharberry Lane, Mars.

Burial will be in Mars Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of MCDONALD-AEBERLI FUNERAL HOME, 238 Crowe Ave., Mars.

Memorials may be made to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053.

Condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.