Mr. Clay Whelen Reeder

Our hero, leader and protector went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

Clay, 85 was born March 8, 1936 in Flat River, MO.

He served 4 years in the Navy before attending Oklahoma Baptist University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.

Clay served 6 years as Minister of Music at Parkwood Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky before joining the staff of Noland Road Baptist Church in Independence, Missouri, (now The Gathering Baptist Church) as Minister of Music and Education, where he served 5 years. He later joined the staff of Orion Fittings as Treasurer. He retired from Orion in 2004 and promptly volunteered his financial services at the church for many years.

Clay was married to Wilma Reeder in 1958 until her death in 1990. They had two children, Christy and Jeff.

He was preceded in the death by his parents Roscoe and Lucille Reeder, his wife Wilma, siblings, Norman, Roscoe, Barbara, and Bonnie, and his stepson Barry.

He is survived by his wife, Sharleen Reeder, his sister Myra Lackey, his children Christy and Jeff (Lisa), his stepchildren, Will (Chris), Sherry, Drew, and Barry’s wife Maureen, his 10 grandchildren, Nathan, (Gia), Ethan, Rachel (Eric), Connor, Michael, Cy, Caitlyn, Jack, Taylor, and Meghan, and his great grandchildren, Riley, Savannah, Nolan, and Luke.

Clay’s devotion was to God and family. He enjoyed sports but was an avid college basketball fan. He used his musical expertise throughout his life both as a vocalist and teacher.

His Celebration of Life will be held at the Gathering Baptist Church, 4505 S. Noland Road, Independence, MO on Wednesday, April 7; 10:00 am visitation and 11:00 am service. Masks are required. If you are unable to attend in person, the funeral service will be livestreamed at facebook.com/gatheringkc or on YouTube.com/gatheringkc

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Gathering Baptist Church