CLAY E. COSTNER

         Clay Elbert Costner passed away in Whittier, CA, July 19, 2020.  He was born June 11, 1931 in Panama, OK, the youngest and only son of Elbert L. & Jewell (Thomas) Costner.  Clay graduated from Poteau High School in 1949.  He was a veteran of the US Army serving as a military policeman.   After his service, Clay received his BA  degree from Central State College, a MA from OU, and a PhD from Peabody College in Nashville, TN.

          Following his parents into a career in education, Clay taught and coached in the Midwest City, OK schools before returning to Poteau and becoming an instructor at CASC.  He was known as an avid tennis player and coach.  Relocating in California, Clay became an instructor/teacher in the Department of Corrections for the State of California from which he retired.  Clay was preceded in death by his parents and 3 sisters, Wanda Gammell, Wilma (Costner, Ervin) Lee, and Winona Selkirk.

          He is survived by his son, Julian Vo; granddaughter, Melina Vo, both of California; grandson, Julian Vo Jr. of Mexico; nephews, Jim Ervin & wife Judy of Poteau, Larry Selkirk & wife Linda of Ft. Collins, CO; as well as other family & friends.

          Clay was interred at the National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.