Clayton Lynn Smith

Clayton Lynn Smith, 87, of Midland, Texas, joined the Lord in heavenly celebration on December 9, 2025. A visitation service will be held at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Bellview Baptist Church, Midland, on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Interment services will be held at Woodbine Cemetery, Artesia, NM, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

Lynn was born on August 19, 1938 in Durant, Oklahoma, to Clayton and Lutheria Smith. He graduated high school in Durant and attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. He served in the Army National Guard of Oklahoma from September 1955 to September 1958 and in the Army Reserves from September 1955 to September 1961, earning honorable discharges from both services. He moved to Artesia, NM in 1958 after his discharge from the National Guard. Shortly after he moved, Lynn established a career working for H & J Food Basket. He later worked at Collier Energy in Artesia, before moving to Seminole and then Midland, Texas while working for Faskin Oil and Ranch.

Lynn married Doris Yvonne Kennedy on November 1, 1959. Their love and marriage based in faith endured for 66 years. Lynn and Yvonne attended First Baptist Church of Artesia for many years and instilled his love for the Lord in the hearts of his children. After moving to Midland, Lynn and Yvonne became active members of Bellview Baptist Church. During their many years at Bellview, they volunteered and served the Lord and His people while making several lifelong friends. Lynn relied on the Lord and his family to endure life’s hardships and carry him through the darkest of times.

Lynn is survived by his wife Doris Yvonne Smith of the home; sons Jerry L. Smith and wife Deborah of Artesia, NM; Steven W. Smith and wife Cindy of Odessa, TX; grandchildren, Christopher Smith, Conroe, TX; David Smith and wife Sara, Conifer, CO; Heather Treat and husband Chris, Midland, TX; Lance Smith and wife Marie, San Antonio, TX and great-grandchildren Kennedy and Noah Treat, Midland, TX. His love of family extended to his nephew Harold Greer and wife Connie, Cypress, TX and niece Patricia Mullins and husband Ricky, Lampasas, TX.

Lynn was preceded in death by Jerry Wayne Smith, brother; Clayton Smith, father; Lutheria Cross, mother; Johnny Cross, stepfather; and David Clark Smith, son.

The family would like to express their gratitude towards Heart to Heart Hospice, caregiver Mari Farias, Faithful Journey Home, and the seventh-floor hospital staff of Midland Memorial Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse and the Baptist Children’s Homes of Texas and New Mexico.