Josh Clay Death Ottoville OH Obituary, Beloved Resident has Died

Remembering Joshua Clay: Ottoville Community Mourns a Beloved Father, Husband, and Friend

Ottoville, Ohio — January 18, 2026

With profound sadness, the Ottoville community mourns the passing of Joshua Clay, who died peacefully following an unexpected health event. His loss leaves a deep void in the hearts of family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Josh’s life was defined by love, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to those closest to him.

Born on November 13, 1977, in Redkey, Indiana, Josh was raised by his parents, Roger and Patricia (Kunkle) Clay. From a young age, he embodied the values that guided him throughout life—hard work, kindness, integrity, and a steadfast devotion to family. He was a proud graduate of Jay County High School and Hanover College, carrying with him a lifelong love of learning and personal growth.

Above all else, Josh was a devoted husband and father. Together with his wife, Lisa, he built a home filled with laughter, warmth, and unwavering support. Their daughters, Rowan and Berkeley, were the center of his world. Josh approached fatherhood with the same care and dedication that defined every part of his life—teaching, guiding, and inspiring his children to pursue their dreams while instilling values of responsibility, compassion, and resilience.

Josh’s love for his daughters extended beyond the home. He coached them in basketball, soccer, and softball, using sports as an opportunity to teach life lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and character. For him, victories on the field were secondary to the growth, confidence, and joy of his children. Every practice, every game, and every moment spent together reflected his commitment to nurturing not only athletes but thoughtful, capable, and compassionate individuals.

Family traditions were sacred to Josh. Summers at the lake house he and Lisa built became a cherished space for creating lifelong memories, while winter trips to the mountains were filled with laughter and learning as he guided his daughters through skiing adventures from a young age. He valued every opportunity to expose his family to the beauty of the world, whether through Thanksgiving celebrations in New York, travel, or shared adventures close to home.

Josh’s warmth, humor, and generosity extended beyond his family. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues remember him as a man of integrity, a source of encouragement, and a person who made everyone feel valued. He had a rare ability to connect deeply with others, offering support, guidance, and joy to all who crossed his path.

Though Josh’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the enduring love he poured into his family. Rowan and Berkeley will carry forward the lessons, values, and memories their father so passionately cultivated, and the Ottoville community will remember him as a man who exemplified dedication, kindness, and a life well-lived.