Clair Donnelly

Clair Donnelly 82, joined his Heavenly Father on Saturday, March 3, 2018. He was surrounded by his family. Clair lived a faith-filled life from the moment of his birth on May 11, 1935, in Wichita, Kansas. He enjoyed an active lifestyle, learning to water ski at an early age with his parents, Clifford Eugene Donnelly and Thelma May (Donham) Donnelly. He would later pass along his passion for water skiing to his family and friends. Clair met the love of his life, Oba Hurt, at a high school football game. The high school sweethearts married November 21, 1953. After high school, he worked for Cessna in their tool and die shop and later built, owned and operated a local gas station. Bringing in kids from the community, he not only employed them, but also mentored and shaped them as part of his own family. After retiring from Raytheon as foreman of the tool and die shop, he was blessed to become parts manager at Trailer Parts & Supply and was grateful for the love and support from Scott and Matt Alter. A true servant to the Lord and his community, his influence on the city of Maize is visible throughout the town: from forty years of serving on the Friday night high school chain gang to organizing the city recreation commission and starting the recreation ball program. Under Clair’s 14 years of leadership as mayor, the city water system was established, he led the creation of the industrial park bringing industry and revenue to the community and he was instrumental in bringing the West Campus of Wichita State University to Maize making it easier for community members to further their education. Clair’s current passion was creating the Maize City Park, a place where neighborhood children and families could play and be active. He was planning an Amphitheater addition to the park when he passed. In his memory, and in lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to the City of Maize for the Mayor Donnelly Park Memorial.  These donations may be sent c/o Maize City Park, 10100 W. Grady Avenue, P.O. Box 245, Maize, KS 67101. Left to honor Clair and rejoice in the blessings of his love and kindness are his wife, Oba Donnelly of Maize; his two daughters, Sherri (Robert) Donnelly-Austin of Kingman, Teresa (Bill) Shackleford of Maize; his son, Ron (Donna Jacobs) Donnelly of Madison, MS; four sisters, Rose Collins of Wichita, Neva Gates of Maize, Loretta Eatons of Rotonda, FL, Connie Edwards of Texas; 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. You may join in the celebration of Clair’s life during a visitation with his family on Friday, March 9, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. and at his funeral service, 1 p.m., Saturday, March 10, both at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.