Clay Alfred Niehaus

Danville- Clay Alfred Niehaus, 96, of Danville, IL passed away at 10:33 A.M. on Saturday November 5, 2016 at North Logan Healthcare in Danville, IL. Clay was born on March 13, 1920 the son of Charles Adam and Phronia (Bridwell) Niehaus in Evansville, IN. He married Rebecca Maidlow with whom he had two sons; Jeffrey and David. He later married Mary Beth Johnston who also had two sons; Robert and William. Survivors include his wife; Mary Niehaus of Danville, IL, three sons; Jeffrey Niehaus of Champaign, IL, Robert (Janet) Johnston of Scotts Valley, CA and William (Robertta) Johnston of San Francisco, CA, five grandchildren, Joshua Niehaus, Seattle, WA, Charles Johnston (Kelli), Arroyo Grande, CA, Margaret Johnston, Roseville, CA, Emily Johnston, Washington, DC, Lane Johnston, Lewes, DE, and two great grandchildren, Elsie and Spencer Johnston, Arroyo Grande, CA. Clay is preceded in death by his wife Rebecca, son David, parents, sisters; Merle DeMoss, Iantha Wilder and Marian Herrenbruck. Clay served in the United States Army from August 8, 1940 until October 20, 1945 and attained the rank of Tech Sergeant. He drove for General Patton on a few occasions and was involved in the Battle of the Bulge. Clay was an insurance agent for the Western Southern Life Insurance Company and retired in 1986 after 36 years as a District Manager. In his free time, he loved to golf, garden and travel. He participated in a variety of Masonic organizations and projects. Clay was the past Worthy Patron of Anchor Lodge, past Thrice Potent Master of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, received his 33rd Degree in the AASR, was the chairperson for the Workers Pin Project and a member of the GAO Grotto. He was the past President of the Eastern Illinois Shrine Club and enjoyed driving children to the Shriners Hospitals. Clay was also a member of Ridgeview Baptist Church and American Legion Post 210. Masonic Rites will be conducted by Anchor Lodge 980 on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center at 3940 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, IL. Entombment will be held on Friday, November 11, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Chapel Mausoleum in Sunset Memorial Park with Military Rites conducted by Illinois Military Funeral Honors. A Memorial Service and reception will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at Ridgeview Baptist Church, 3838 N. Vermilion St, Danville, IL. Officiating will be Pastor Mark Keyser. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center at 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Ridgeview Baptist Church, Eastern Illinois Shrine club or the American Heart Association. Please join Clay's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall online at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Service Nov 10, 2016 Thursday, 7:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Service Nov 11, 2016 Friday, 11:00 AM Sunset Memorial Park 3901 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Service Nov 13, 2016 Sunday, 2:00 PM Ridgeview Baptist Church 3838 N. Vermilion Danville, IL 61832 Final Resting Place Sunset Memorial Park 3901 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834