Walter Jay McClure, 91 died Monday, Aug. 10, 2026 at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hugoton.

He was born March 3, 1935 to Jay Gould and Mattie (McMillan) McClure.

He married Dorothy May Mapp Dec. 23, 1961. She survives.

He obtained a PhD in Agronomy and shaping future generations as a college instructor at Oklahoma Panhandle State University.

He was a 4-H woodworking leader, earning him many Grand Champion Ribbons at the Stevens County Fair, guided by his belief that "past performance is a predictor of future expectations."

He served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960.

For more than fifty years, Walter was a devoted member of Trinity Baptist Church.

Survivors also include his sons, Joel McClure and Ben McClure and wife, Lalane; daughter, Janel Wagner and husband Chris; brother, Wayne; sister Faye Figgins; and nine grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gerald; and daughter-in-law, Karen Sue Platt-McClure.

• Celebration of Life services will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2026 at Bethel Friends Church in Hugoton, followed by fellowship and snacks with the family. He now rests in peace at Hugoton Cemetery.