Elbert Kay Sackrider, age 90, of Clarksville, passed away Friday, January 29, 2021 of COVID-19.
Kay was born to Clyde and Lelah Sackrider in Ft. Wayne, Indiana on August 11, 1930. He graduated from high school at age 16 and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. Kay served in the Korean War as a lieutenant in the United States Navy and dedicated more than 30 years of civilian service working for the Naval Sea Systems Command in Crystal City, Virginia. In 1964, Kay married his beautiful wife, Crystal Lee Fellabaum. They spent almost 50 years together until Crys passed away in 2011.
Kay was a reserved, quiet man, but getting to know him well was like being given the key to a treasure chest. Kay could do anything. He sailed on submarines and warships, prosecuted trials at sea, and piloted airplanes. As a wedding gift to his wife, he built a cabin near the Chesapeake. He built clocks, motherboards, and on one occasion, an entire car. He was a devoted father who attended countless recitals and taught his daughters how to execute a layup from either side of a basketball court (ideally drawing a foul along the way).
Kay is survived by his daughters, Leigh Ann Hirschman and Patricia Allende; son-in-law John Hirschman; grandchildren Daniel Allende, Jr, Jane Hirschman, and Charlie Hirschman. They will all miss him dearly.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West, where Kay will be laid to rest with military honors.
Online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com.