Clay Yadon

Clay Yadon, age 64, passed away on December 1, 2024 at his home in Whitney, Texas. A Celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2024 at Central Baptist Church, located at 1100 Old Brandon Road, Hillsboro, Texas, 76645. 

Clay was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 24, 1960, to Norm and Joy Yadon. He learned his love of the outdoors at an early age from his father. The Yadon family enjoyed floating and fishing trips on many of Missouri's rivers as well as hiking in the surrounding wooded outdoor spaces. Clay's passion for fishing and being on the water formed at a young age during these trips. 

After moving to Texas in 1971, Clay and Court, his brother and best friend, began exploring new outdoor areas. Their adventures together increased and blossomed into snake hunting, arrowhead hunting, and of course fishing. Clay's love of Big Bend began while taking trips to that area as a teen with his dad and brother, then numerous times as an adult, and finally sharing it with his sons. Clay loved spending time in the Big Bend area almost as much as he did on the Texas Coast.

Clay began as a fishing guide on Lake Granbury, where he still holds multiple fishing records, before moving to Whitney and building his reputation as a beloved Striper guide on Lake Whitney. Through Reel Deal Guide Service, Clay shared his expertise and love of fishing with his customers, helping them create great memories along the way. As a result, many of his customer became lifelong personal friends. Clay was very fortunate to be able to do what he loved everyday with those he considered his friends out on Lake Whitney and call it work. He enjoyed beginning many days experiencing gorgeous sunrises on the water.

The Man, The Myth, The Legend was the Reel Deal, he was full of physical strength and a strong faith in God. He bravely battled Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Now, Clay has found his last arrowhead, made his last trip to Port A, caught his final Striper, and is now resting in peace. He leaves behind his family and friends with numerous stories of their time together and an abundance of precious memories.

Left to cherish Clay's memories are his sons, Dustin and wife, Kendall of Cleburne, Chad and wife, Sierra of Rio Vista, and Clayton Yadon; grandchildren, Raylee, Caleb, Kinlee, Ryker, Jensyn, Brysen, Beckham, and Madilyn; siblings, Court Yadon of Godley, Debye and husband Ed Humphrey of Dallas, Marty and wife Dottie Yadon, and Sharon and husband Mark Remes of Fenton, MO; as well as his beloved dog Cinch and Blackie the cat. Clay also leaves behind loving friends, a numerous amount that have helped him tremendously in so many ways this last year.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in Clay's name to one of his two favorite charities; Home At Last Animal Haven, founded by his parents, P.O. Box 189, Godley, Texas, 76044 www.halah.org or to www.kylelewisamoebaawarness.org the Kyle Lewis Amoeba Awareness Foundation.