Clayton Edward Wuensche

Clay Wuensche, beloved husband and father, venerated band repair technician, and a true Texas original in mind and spirit, passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021. Clay was a native of Lexington, TX, and it will be to that area where he will return. A special graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Hugh Wilson Cemetery located at 1075 County Road 456, Lexington, TX 78947. Carl Idelbird, Sommerville Band Director and a spiritual guide to Clay throughout the years, will officiate. Cremation and more will be handled by Callaway Jones Funeral Home of Bryan, TX. A joyful remembrance of Clay’s life and legacy will follow the service in Bryan, TX, at the Wuensches’ home located at 10007 Calhoun Road, Bryan, TX 77808.

Honorary pallbearers for the service include: Patrick Wuensche (son); Andrew Wilson (son-in-law); Sam Britton; Hayden Hillis; Ben Threadgill; Jesse Zito; Kevin Wuensche (brother); Chris Hull (brother-in-law); Michael Hull (brother-in-law); Ryan Harper (brother-in-law); Bethany Harper (sister-in-law); Paul Rieger.

Clay was our superman. To honor that, please wear your favorite super hero t-shirt or attire, as this tribute is something that Clay would have loved more than anything else—especially because the Wuensches have always thrived on being untraditionally traditional. Be comfortable. Jeans: okay! Suit and tie: okay, but only if you really want to.

Clay developed his indomitable character growing up in Lexington, being known for hanging around Greg Langehennig’s Exxon & Tire Shop and earning the affectionate nickname Squeaky thanks to his frequent contributions of his opinions and perspectives. Clay went on to play the tuba in band and discovered the first great love of his life after Lexington Band Director Aaron Lewis showed him the art of instrument repair and engineering and got him started on the craft. Clay went on to attend Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City, IA, and was formally trained in all aspects of band repair under the guidance of Rod Siljenberg. He graduated in 1992, launching what would be become a renowned 29 year professional career in the band repair industry.

Shortly after Clay returned to Texas from Iowa, he met his second great love at a Subway in Odessa, TX. Christin Harper made his sandwich and her way right into his heart as his perfect match and lifelong soulmate. Almost immediately, they were married, and soon their son Patrick arrived to complete the Wuensche family.

Clay never tired of recounting the story of his fateful meeting with Christin over the course of their 27 year marriage. Band repair showed up first in the order of things, but she–his best friend, partner in crime, and the love of his life—always came first in the order of priority.

Clay, Christin, and Patrick eventually made their way to Bryan, TX, where Clay and the String and Horn Shop found each other. Clay set up his repair shop and over the next 23 years helped propel the String and Horn Shop into one of the best full service music stores in Central Texas, known far and wide even outside of the Brazos Valley. Clay’s work was noted for its exceptional craftsmanship, and school band programs (including the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band) across the state as well as professional musicians have sought Clay’s expertise for decades. Patrick, whom Clay considered his pride and joy, followed in his father’s footsteps and became Head Repair Technician this year for the String and Horn Shop, continuing to uphold the quality and expertise that Clay has firmly established.

Clay was just as committed to improving people that came into his path as he was to repairing innumerable instruments that streamed through his repair shop. The Wuensche family developed an extremely large non-biological family, spread far and wide, due to Clay’s huge heart and deeply caring nature. For all of you, we are grateful and thankful and wish it were possible here to thank each and every one of you by name. We deeply appreciate the huge outpouring of love and support we have received during this time.

Clay was preceded in death by: Martha Wuensche (mother); Bowen and Jo Ella Sims (grandparents); Bland E. and Donna Harper, Jr. and Patricia Wettstein (grandparents-in-law); and
Jim Hughes (uncle).

Clay is survived by so many that it is impossible to list everyone that needs to be here, but here is our best effort: Christin Wuensche (wife); Patrick and Rachel Wuensche (son and daughter-in-law); Jasmine and Andrew Wilson (daughter and son-in-law); Kevin Wuensche (brother); Tanna Hughes (aunt); Bland and Sheryl Harper (parents-in-law); Chris and Marsha Hull, Michael Hull, Ryan Harper, and Bethany Harper (brothers and sisters-in-law; Linda Salitros (nana); Laura Wilson, Charlotte Ammerman, Janell Lawrence, Lori & Gary Evans (aunts-in-law); Steve Hughes, Amber Shoemaker, Will Ammerman, Aaron Ammerman, Charles Ammerman, Amy Wilson, Archer Ammerman, Ana Semper (cousins).

We appreciate the thought of sending flowers, but please know this is not necessary due to the nature of the service itself. Instead, you are welcome to donate to the Wuensche Family Whiskey Fund, a time-honored tradition of which Clay would highly approve! Whiskey Funds will be used for Funeral Expenses, Medical Expenses, as well as Whiskey. Donations can be made to Christin Wuensche’s Venmo account: (QR code attached).

Please express condolences and share your memories of Clay at CallawayJones.com. We would love to hear what you have to say.

Like Father, Like Son: Clay and Patrick Wuensche work side-by-side repairing band instruments