Clay Thomas Midkiff, aged 72, peacefully passed away on Sept. 21, 2023, at his home in Longville, La. He was born on Nov. 8, 1950, in Lake Charles, La., to Bertha Jean Midkiff and Hollis Midkiff.

Clay attended Landry Memorial High School, and he went on to graduate from McNeese University, where he was an Honor Student and was honored with the title, “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.” His professional journey led him to the NRCS, where he served with distinction as the District Conservationist for Southwestern Louisiana, specializing in wetlands.

An avid outdoorsman, Clay found solace and joy in the great outdoors, where he pursued his passions for fishing and hunting. His heart was open to both dogs and children, sharing his warmth and love with them.

Clay’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He is survived by his spouse, Tammy Colleen Midkiff, and his children, Danny Barlow and wife Brandi. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Terhyn Buston, Jordhyn Barlow, Hunter Barlow, and Korbin Brinkman.

Bertha Jean (Midkiff) Donaldson, Clay’s mother, and his siblings Gloria Jean LaFleur, Alvin Midkiff, and Debbie Jean Cooper, mourn his passing. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, including Danielle Randsburgh and husband Chris, Deirdre Hillman and husband Alex, Doug LaFleur and wife Andrea, Kristin Schahanek, Kyle Watt, and Kory Watt.

Numerous great-nieces and nephews, including Dean LaFleur and wife Alyssa, John Alex Reid, Katelyn Fontenot and husband Mike, Caitlan Williams, Peyton Williams, Charlotte Ransburgh, Madeline Ransburgh, Julian McLeod, Christian McLeod, Braxton McLeod, Eli Hillman, Alex Hillman Jr., Everett Watt, Ewan Watt, and Croix Schahanek, hold Clay’s memory dear.

He is also survived by his great-great-nephew, Stetson LaFleur. Clay was preceded in death by his father, Hollis Midkiff; his stepfather, L. V. Donaldson; his sons, Derrick and Jody Barlow; his brother, Milton Midkiff; and his sister, Susey Midkiff.

Clay Thomas Midkiff touched the lives of many with his warmth, dedication, and love for the outdoors. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023 in St. Theodore Catholic Church, located at 785 Sam Houston Jones Parkway, Moss Bluff, La. Father Jeffrey Starkovich will serve as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery under the direction of Johnson funeral Home of Moss Bluff. Visitation will begin at the funeral home on Sunday evening at 5 p.m. and will continue until 8 p.m., with a rosary being recited at 6 p.m.  Visitation will resume on Monday morning in the funeral home at 10:30 a.m., and will continue until leaving in procession to the church at 11:30 a.m.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.