Clay Thomas Young Bird

New Town

Clay Thomas Young Bird was born on April 4, 1995, in Minot, to Pete and Yvette (Grady) Young Bird. He was raised in New Town. He received his education and graduated from New Town High School in 2013. His Godmother, Karen Young Bird-White Clay, and Godfather, Robert Young Bird, Sr. were witnesses to his baptism in 1995.

In 2016, Clay Thomas moved to Parker, AZ, with his uncle Reynold “RJ” Young Bird, to care for their late grandpa’s, Reynold Young Bird Sr, ranch. There he found the “love of his life” (using the Young Bird phrase), Tess Gonzales.

Clay and Tess decided to return to his hometown for a new beginning with his new family. He began to work for his former employer 4Bears Casino. Many obstacles occurred along the way, but being a strong-minded person, Clay relocated his family to Sidney, MT, and started a new job in the oilfield. Charles Freeman and Alana Weaver opened their home to both Clay and Tess until they were able to move into their own home. Clay Thomas made sure that happened, but of course not without the help of his parents and his grandmother, Norma “Jeanie” Grady.

Clay was a hard worker and dedicated to providing for his family. He continued to strive to do and have better. He recently received a job offer in March of this year in Williston. His three-month probation was ending on June 9th. In less than a year, Clay became a diesel mechanic for an oil company and had plans to buy a home for his family.

On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, God decided it was Thomas’ time and he passed away in a vehicle accident near Arnegard.

He leaves behind his parents, Pete and Yvette Young Bird; siblings, Tierra Young Bird, Garrett Young Bird, Jerry White Owl, Kiann Galo, Kyler Johnson, Taylor Young Bird, Seth Grady, CJ Freeman, and Bryan Young Bird; maternal grandmother, Norma Jean Grady; paternal grandmother, Annette Young Bird; companion, Tess Gonzales; and his babies, Jaeden, Jazmine, Dane, Lance, Brycen, Zakiah, Karen, and Paige; special niece, Thalia Claylee Salinas (Clay’s namesake ~ he was very honored when his sister LaDawn Young Bird told him the name she had chosen); and his God-daughter, A’yanna Galo; and his favorite auntie, Leslie Ann, who gave him the most grief.

He was greeted into the spirit world by his paternal grandparents, Bryan and Louella (Painte) Young Bird; maternal grandfather, Roger Grady, Sr.; special aunt, Marion Young Bird; and many other extended family members.

Wake: Friday, June 9, 2023, beginning at 5 p.m. at Thomas Johnny Bird Veterans Memorial Hall, Dragswolf Village, New Town

Funeral: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 11 a.m. at Thomas Johnny Bird Veterans Memorial Hall, Dragswolf Village, New Town

Final Resting Place: New Town Cemetery, New Town

(Langhans Funeral Home – Parshall www.langhansfuneralhome.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, June 10, 2023.