After a brave battle with cancer, Clarence Edward Bontrager,  raised in Haven, Kansas, went home to be with his Heavenly Father.  Clay died December 16, 2017, at his home in Nokomis.

Clarence (Clay) is survived by: his wife, Andrea Bontrager (born Gajewski); children, Tonya Ferguson (Dale), Chad Bontrager (Lauren); stepchildren, Ashley Hogan, Daniel Hogan (Torrey); grandchildren, Destiny, Tylan, Avery, Paxton, Colby, Brayden, Dylan; siblings, Wes Bontrager (Marilyn), Dorothy Weaver (Richard) and Marion Bontrager (Judy).

He was preceded in death by: his mother, Nora Yutzy Bontrager; father, Andrew Bontrager; stepmother, Elizabeth Bontrager; and brothers, Maynard Bontrager and Kenneth Bontrager.

Clay was born on March 23, 1947, in Hutchinson, and grew up on a farm in Haven, Kansas. He graduated from Central Christian High School and Hesston College with a degree in Pastoral Ministries.  He owned and operated various businesses, and had a successful career racing late model and sprint cars, winning several championships.  He also had a successful term as mayor of Hutchinson, Kansas. Despite his successes in business and on the dirt track, he considered being a father and grandfather his most treasured accomplishments in life.

Clay moved to Florida during the latter years of his life where he lived with his wife, Andrea.  While pursuing a successful career as a business broker and business owner, he enjoyed traveling in his RV, spending time with family and friends, riding his motorcycle, boating, reading, tinkering with his cars and taking care of his small farm.

Clay loved life and lived it to the fullest.  His charismatic nature and infectious smile earned him many friends and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 22, 2017, Journey@South Hutchinson, 808 S. Poplar, South Hutchinson, KS, with Pastor Howard Wagler officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday evening at Journey@Yoder, 3605 E. Longview Rd., Yoder, KS,  from 5-7p.m. The family would love it if you would honor Clay by wearing race gear or casual clothes.  Burial will follow in the Yoder Mennonite Church Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the graveside service at the church in Yoder.   In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you would donate to Central Christian High School @ www.cougarsccs.com or, in care of  Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS, 67501

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7