Clay Thomas Bedell

Coach, Little Bedell, Bubba, PaBub, Daddy, Dadden, and sometimes just Clay – when he entered a room, there was always someone calling him by the name they knew him as. They were glad to see him because he cared for others. With a quiet but present style, Bubba could talk to you about anything that mattered to you.

Born on April 5, 1955, to John Edward and Zola Bedell in Andrews, Texas, Clay was the second son. His early life was spent on a farm in Texas, where he was always out and about doing kids' stuff and farm chores. His parents rarely knew where he and his siblings were, as he was always out playing and doing "farm stuff".

The family moved to Bristow, Oklahoma when he was two years old, then to Chandler, where he lived from second grade through freshman year. As he entered high school, the family moved to Kingfisher where his high school years became legendary.

At Kingfisher High School, Clay was an outstanding running back and defensive back who played with such fervor that opponents feared him, and young players looked to imitate him. He also put his speed to work as he ran track.  He worked throughout high school baling and hauling hay. Bubba continued to model the value of hard work for his children and grandchildren.

His true talent for managing and coaching bloomed further when he went on to become the trainer and manager of the football team at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He was quick to develop lifelong bonds with all his teammates, which continued to this day with annual reunions.

Bubba was a magnet; he could get along with everyone, even the toughest guys. He was rowdy but always fit in with the rowdy crowd, often coming out unscathed from situations where others tried to mess with him.  His "all-in" attitude made him an exciting guy to be around - "if there was a barn to jump off, he was all in."

Following college, Clay moved to Erick, Oklahoma and coached a high school football team more known for their losses than their wins.  Clay turned around the football program and brought them into a winning season, while also gaining 2 boys that he considered sons, Chris and Shawn Raney. Following his time in Erick, Clay was called by God to join a campus ministry led by an organization in Tennessee.  He worked in this campus ministry for a year and a half.

After this work concluded, Clay joined his brother in Yukon, Oklahoma.  A position for a drafting teacher had opened mid-year and Clay was the perfect fit. John Ed and Clay were known as Big Bedell and Little Bedell, respectively. Like his father and brother, Clay was a determined bachelor. In fact, he and his brother were both the most eligible bachelors for a short time in Yukon.

Shortly after moving to Yukon, he met the love of his life, Janice Wilkins, through their common vocation of educating young people at Yukon High School. Married in 1990, Clay immediately embraced Janice's children - three daughters and a son. Janice and Bubba had a daughter, Allison, in 1994. Clay flourished as a father of five children and participated fully in family life, including many camping trips to the lake with hours on end in the boat slinging kids on the tube fearing for their lives.

Bubba devoted his career to public education, where he nurtured countless young minds with his passion for teaching and coaching. He had a particular fondness for football and track, influencing many through his dedication and enthusiasm.

Clay Thomas Bedell, known affectionately as "Bubba," passed away on Saturday, July 20th, in the comfort of his home in Yukon, Oklahoma. He was a cherished son, husband, father, grandfather, and coach who left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Bubba is survived by his loving wife, Janice Wilkins Bedell, and their family of children and grandchildren: Sarah Elizabeth Hamner; Jenah Marie Hamner Hamilton and her husband Dan; Micah Mary Hamner Pillmore and her husband Brian; Garth Ryan Hamner and his wife Allison; and Allison Blair Bedell Rush and her husband Kyle. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Kenadi, Jakobi, Kaden, Gavin, Piper, Elijah, Malachi, Esli, Nathanael, Hananiah, and Finnick.

He also leaves behind his siblings, John Bedell and his wife Belinda, and Tonya Hux and her husband Mark and many nieces and nephews. Clay was preceded in death by his father, John Edward Bedell Sr., and his mother, Zola Pearl Joiner Bedell.

We are all celebrating the fruitfulness of Clay's life and are rejoicing together that although he is absent from the body, he is present with the Lord.

A viewing will be held on July 24, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home, 1500 W. Vandament Ave., Yukon, OK. 73099 followed by a Memorial Service at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Yukon, 15 S. 6th St., Yukon, OK 73099.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Yukon High School Pole Vault program, a cause close to Bubba's heart and reflective of his lifelong commitment to youth and sports. Donations can be made out to: Yukon Track and Field, Memo: Pole Vault. Mail to: Matt Parent, 11721 NW 109th, Yukon, OK 73099