H. Clay Tellman, Md

H. Clay Tellman was an accomplished professional, a loving husband, a devoted father, and a dedicated servant of his country, community, and church. Clay was born in a decade of advancement and struggle. While the moving assembly line increased America's ability to produce goods, workers united to gain fair labor practices. The United States was advancing as a world power and was soon drawn into WWI, the war that was meant to "end all wars". But a most welcome event for Garrett G. and Mae (Workman) Tellman of Muskegon, Michigan was the birth of their son, Henry Clay, on July 10, 1916. Along with his sister Kay, Clay grew up with the encouragement to pursue education and live a life of service. He was true to his call. Clay attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan and was a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor. He enjoyed the support of his loving wife, Joan Schoener, whom he married on October 3, 1942 in Muskegon. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Dave and Kathi, who saw the example of compassion and care in the life of their father. Clay's acts of service began with the U.S. Air Force Command during WWII and continued through 1946 with the 232nd Service Hospital in Iwo Jima. After the war, Clay completed residency training in urology and opened his office in Muskegon in 1949. He was in the practice of urology for some 33 years, yet his contribution to the Muskegon community continued beyond his retirement in 1982. Clay was Chief of Staff at Hackley Hospital and involved with the YMCA Board of Directors and the United Way. He was President of the Community Foundation and of the Muskegon County Medical Society and a member of State Board of Registration in Medicine. For needed relaxation, Clay held memberships in the Muskegon Country Club and Century Club. His service extended to his church, First Congregational Church, where he was a long time member and involved in a number of committees there. Among his greatest joys were his grandchildren Laura, Kirstin, and Alex. To them and all who knew and loved him, H. Clay Tellman will be remembered with deep affection and respect. Dr. H. Clay Tellman, age 89, died Sunday, February 12, 2006. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan; 1 son, Dave Tellman of Muskegon ; 1 daughter, Kathi (Dirk) Nelson of Hinsdale IL; 3 grandchildren, Laura, Kirstin & Alex Nelson; 8 nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Kay Tellman. Friends and family will gather on Saturday, February 18, 2006 from 1 to 2 PM at the First Congregational Church where a memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM with Rev. Tim VanderHaar officiating. To share a memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to Hackley VNS, Hackley Cancer Center or a Charity of Choice, please visit www.lifestorynet.com. Clock Funeral Home Office, Muskegon