Terry Claycamp, age 78, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, with his daughters by his side at Hays Medical Center. He was born on March 24, 1946, in Hays, Kansas to Alfred and Nadine (Burbach) Claycamp.
At the young age of 15, Terry became acutely aware of the importance of living a well-lived life after the loss of his beloved father, Al. Terry packed more into his 78 years than what many people can dream of, and along the way, he showed those who knew him that you can always write a new chapter in your story.
He married the love of his life, Linda (Horchem) on June 11, 1967. Terry and Linda had two daughters, Leah and Tara. Terry was a “girl dad” before that was even a thing, and he raised his daughters to know that through hard work and effort, they could be anything they wanted to be in this world. He also raised them to be very strong- minded, something his sons-in-law might not always be as appreciative of. Terry was constant at all their events because he knew showing up in life and for those you love means everything.
Terry had many jobs throughout his life, in his teen years, he worked construction to help take care of his family and would race his muscle car to have enough money to take Linda out on dates. Linda was always quick to say that she was fine waiting for him to come back and pick her up after the race, especially if Leah and Tara were around!
After earning a football scholarship to Fort Hays State University, Terry received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education in 1969, and his Master of Science Degree in Education Administration in 1980, both from Fort Hays State University. In 1993, he was inducted into the Fort Hays State University Football Hall of Fame.
After graduating college, Terry taught at Hays High School and coached football from 1969 to 1982. While he loved educating others, he was an entrepreneur at heart. Terry received his real estate license in 1974 and a short time later, he became co-owner of Landmark Realty then eventually its sole owner. Through his work in real estate, Terry had a hand in many of the residential subdivisions, current franchises, and commercial areas you see in Hays today.
Terry had a love for the open road and was always on the lookout for new franchises to bring to town, many of which were discovered on their infamous family road trips. Maybe it was his days as a driver's ed instructor
or his years competing as a Steer Wrestler, but a quick day trip to Texas, Wyoming, or Colorado was never anything he thought much about!
A man who could never sit down for too long, Terry also owned E-Z Rentals in Hays for a number of years, served on the Hays Planning Commission for approximately 25 years, and was on the Hays Strategic Planning in 1974, 1994, and 2008. In addition to his many business endeavors, he was involved in coaching area athletics, Hays Board of REALTORS, Kansas Association of REALTORS, Fort Hays Rodeo, dog training and judging, Pheasants Forever, Youth Hunters Safety, Ducks Unlimited, A.K.C. Kennel Club to name a few. Endeavors aside, Terry's family was always what he found the most pride in, especially when he welcomed his grandchildren, Ivy and Easton. Leah and Tara were amazed how the rules went out the window when it was for the grandkids. He loved what he could show them and the opportunity that it gave him to share his words of wisdom, or "Terry-isms" as the family called them with the next generation.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Claycamp and Nadine (Claycamp) Kroeger; his brother, Lonny Claycamp, and other close family members and friends. We can only imagine the reunion that was had once they were together again! The strong winds that blew the day after Terry passed, were probably them sweeping up the mess, and the rain the following day was them washing the rest of the mess away.
Terry is survived by his wife, Linda, and his daughters, Leah Bieker and husband Chris; Tara Claycamp and husband, Travis, and his grandchildren, Ivy and Easton; his brother Randy Claycamp; his sisters Pat Schremmer; Jackie Jordan and husband, Randy; his half-brothers Gary Kroger and wife Nicole; Doug Kroeger and wife Jinny; his sister in law, Becky Claycamp.
Celebration of Life Greeting Service will be held at the Hays V.F.W. on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:30 A.M. with a luncheon at 11:30 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to: FHSU Endowment in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to: [email protected] or can be left at the guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com