Obituary of Clayton E. Strait

Strait, Clayton E. Saginaw, Michigan Beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and devoted Christian, Clayton E. Strait of Saginaw, Michigan (formerly of Deford, Michigan) passed away suddenly in his home on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at the age of 71. Clay was born on August 23, 1949 in Midland, Michigan to the late Leo and Alice (Smith) Strait. He was a member of Old Town Christian Outreach Center in Saginaw. He also attended Saginaw Wesleyan Church for over 20 years, where he served as a Sunday School/Bible Teacher. Clay put Jesus first in his life from the day he was saved at the age of 22. He ministered in many ways to hundreds of people. He had a heart for those who struggled in any way. He worked as a chaplain for Forgotten Man Ministries in the Saginaw County Jail for many years. He ministered to inmates at the Saginaw Regional Correctional Center in Freeland, Michigan. His sermons were heartfelt and moved many inmates to reach out to God, and change their lives. He also shared his faith for numerous years with the homeless at the Saginaw Rescue Mission. Some of his most cherished memories were when he and Marcia went on mission trips to Jamaica, Guatemala and West Virginia. They also worked weekly with New Heart Methodist Church giving groceries to those who needed food. Clay loved to talk about the Lord and those who knew him found him to be an honest, forthright and honorable man. He used every opportunity to minister to others and preach the gospel. He spent many hours in local senior care facilities sharing his faith with elderly residents. Clay married his dearly loved wife, Marcia in 1973 after they both graduated from Ferris State University. He earned his degree in Business Management and Computer Science. Clay and Marcia served many years as house parents for Teen Ranch under Youth for Christ International. While living in Deford, Michigan, he worked as the Director of Buildings and Grounds for the Kingston School System. After moving to Saginaw, he served as Construction Manager for Habitat for Humanity, building approximately fifty homes for those in need of housing. Clay truly enjoyed building, construction, and remodeling which he learned as a teen. One of his greatest joys was mentoring and training others in the building trades, especially Javier Cataño. Clay loved his family. He took pleasure in telling others of their accomplishments and the many times they spent together. He was a great example as a husband and father. He and Marcia loved to ballroom dance. They spent many enjoyable hours with friends dancing throughout the area. Clay is survived by his wife, Marcia (Palsrok) Strait, his son Ben (wife Laura) Strait; Bethany (husband Marc) Shira. He leaves three granddaughters, Abigail, Meagan and Kaitlynn Strait; and his sister, Bonnie Bober. He was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Alice Strait, and his sister Pam Strait. Visitation will be held Saturday, December 26, 2020 at the West Michigan United Methodist Church (New Heart Methodist), 1802 West Michigan in Saginaw, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Visitation and Memorial Service will take place at Old Town Christian Outreach Center, 600 Gratiot, Saginaw, Michigan on Sunday, December 27, 2020. Visitation: 2:30 p.m. ~ Memorial Service at 3:00 p.m. ~ Service officiated by Pastor Donald H. Dinninger. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Forgotten Man Ministries at the Saginaw County Jail, 208 So. Harrison, Saginaw, Michigan 48602 (Attention Chaplain Andy Cox; or Protect Life Michigan, P.O. Box 23042, Lansing, Michigan 48909 (Attention Jenny Bober).