Clay grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Putnam City High School, where he was an outstanding basketball player, ranked third in the state as a sophomore and named to the All-State team in his senior year. He earned a basketball scholarship to Eastern Oklahoma State College and later attended the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

A true entrepreneur, Clay founded a landscaping and lawn care business, which he expanded to include a wide range of construction services, including roofing and irrigation. He also worked and managed his brother- in-law Chuck’s businesses.

He had a natural talent for working with his hands and could fix just about anything. His skill and dedication made him the go-to handyman for his wife, family, and friends.

On November 16, 2001, Clay met the love of his life, Aleasha Parker. The couple got engaged on April 19, 2002, and were married on August 30, 2002, in Oklahoma City. Clay told others he felt like he was living a little piece of Heaven here on earth because he got to spend it with the love of his life.

They were blessed with four children: Coleman William, Carly Lynn, Carston William, and Anastyn Lynn. The family lived in Edmond before moving to Moore in 2006, and later to Newcastle in December 2021. Clay was deeply devoted to his children, coaching Coleman in basketball and baseball and coaching Carston’s football team and leading Carston’s competitive baseball team, Oklahoma United, for several years. He also loved hunting, fishing, and playing sports, especially basketball.

In his spare time, he could often be found outside working in the yard, planting flowers, grilling for the family and perfecting his famous “Clay’s Smash Mouth Onion Burgers.” He had a passion for fast cars, enjoyed going to car races to watch his brother- in-law Chuck race and had a Shelby GT picked out.

Family was everything to Clay, and he never met a stranger. He was the life of the party, always laughing and the first to greet anyone at the door. A godly man, Clay led Bible studies at home with his kids and with friends and coworkers, and he was a member of First Baptist Church in Newcastle. Clay’s faith was an integral part of his life, and he treasured the time spent with his family in prayer and devotion.

Clay is survived by: his beloved wife, Aleasha Lynn Pueppke of Newcastle; his three children, Coleman William, Carston William, and Anastyn Lynn Pueppke, all of Newcastle; his parents, Don Pueppke Jr. of Montrose, Colorado, and Trudy Pueppke of Newcastle, Oklahoma; his brother Kirk Pueppke and wife Rhonda of Edmond, Oklahoma; brother-in-law Chuck Parker and wife Amelia Tyree of El Reno, Oklahoma; sister-in-law Carrie Boettger and husband Cavin of Denison, Texas; Aleasha’s parents, Glen and Linda Randolph of Oklahoma City, and Ed and Karen Parker of Binger, Oklahoma; his Aunt Sherry of Montrose, Colorado; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by: his daughter, Carly Lynn Pueppke; sister, April Marie Pueppke; cousin, Britt Hoss; and grandparents, Donald Sr. and Lavonda Pueppke, and John and Jane Marie Higginbotham.

Services were at noon on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Newcastle, with Reverend Jeremy Freeman officiating. Interment followed at Memorial Park Cemetery in Edmond. Clay’s love, laughter, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Services were under the direction of Turner Funeral Home, Hinton. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@ gmail.com, turnerfh. net or you can find them on Facebook (Turner Funeral Homes).