Josh ClayBeloved Husband, Father, and Community Member of Ottoville, Ohio, who died and obituated

 Following an unexpected health episode, Joshua "Josh" Clay died peacefully on January 18, 2026; the community of Ottoville, Ohio, is in grief.Among family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him, his death has caused great grief.At age forty-eight, Josh was

Born on November 13, 1977, Josh grew up in Redkey, Indiana, with his loving parents, Roger Clay and Patricia (Kunkle) Clay.He showed early on drive, kindness, and a strong devotion to people around him—traits that shaped both his professional and personal life.Graduating from Jay County High School in 1996, he later received his degree from Hanover College in 2000, therefore establishing the groundwork for a life based on devotion, leadership, and empathy.

Above all else, Josh valued his family.With his wife, Lisa (Barrett) Clay, he had a loving marriage and raised two daughters, Rowan and Berkeley, who became the main focus of his life.Being an engaged father and supporting his daughters in all projects was great pride for Josh.He mentored them in softball, basketball, and soccer, always looking for a chance to celebrate their success, inspire, and educate.

Josh's fondest memories centered on family excursions.The lake house he and Lisa constructed became the base of many valued memories; summers were spent there.Sharing his love of the outdoors and adventure, Winters brought yearly mountain excursions when Josh proudly taught his kids to ski from the age of three.The family often flew to New York City for Thanksgiving customs, where they watched the Macy's Day Parade, dined local fare, and savored the thrill of seeing new locations.Josh believed in exposing his daughters to the globe and grabbed every chance to broaden their perspective.

To those who knew him, Josh was a man of steadfast dedication and compassion.He addressed every obstacle in life with integrity and drive.Though admired professionally and locally, he assumed many roles; none were more crucial than husband and father.He was also a dedicated son, brother, coach, friend, and coworker—titles that mirrored the profound influence he had on others.Every one lucky enough to be with him was permanently impressed by his kindness, loyalty, and consistent support.

Along with numerous relatives proudly bearing the Clay and Kunkle names, Josh is survived by his wife Lisa; daughters Rowan and Berkeley; parents Roger and Patricia (Kunkle) Clay; and his brother Auston Clay.His grandparents Gussie and Nola (Adkins) Clay, Joe and Bettie (Valentine) Kunkle, Uncle Stephen Kunkle, and Aunt Brenda Clay all predeceased him.

Consistent with Josh's desires, there will be no conventional funeral ceremony.Instead, the family's lakeside house will be hosting a celebration of life and barbecue this summer; specifics will be made public later.This will be a gathering appropriate for a guy who prized togetherness, laughter, and group experiences.

Though Josh Clay's physical presence is gone, his legacy lives on through the family he loved, the lives he directed, and the affection he gave so freely.Those who knew him will always find direction in his memory.