Clair Anthony Sootsman, age 77, passed away on February 22, 2021, at Upjohn Community Care Center. Clair was born in Kalamazoo on April 26, 1943, the son of the late Clair Arthur and Irene (Sennyes) Sootsman. Clair was a loving father and grandfather and friend who will be missed by all those who loved him. He enjoyed life and had many hobbies. He loved auto racing and was a regular at the Kalamazoo and Galesburg Motor Speedways. He also liked to attend car shows around the area. He collected lighthouses and enjoyed visiting them as well as taking Sunday bike and car rides with the family. He also enjoyed watching his brother Mike play softball, watching wrestling, bowling, building model cars and having breakfast at Niko’s in Comstock with family and friends. Clair enjoyed the outdoors and liked to hunt. Clair logged thousands of miles working as a truck driver to provide for his family. Clair loved his family and was proud of his children and grandchildren. His smile, kindness and encouraging words will be missed. In 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Coral Bushee who survives. Together they had five children, Douglas Sootsman, Kimberly Sootsman, Craig Sootsman, Mark Sootsman and Amy (Paul) Dailey; nine grandchildren, Margaret Sootsman, Caroline Sootsman, Jamison (Samantha) Kabelman, Kaycea Garner, Jacob Sootsman, Isabella Sootsman, Lillian Sootsman, Caleb Sootsman, Alyssa Sootsman; one great-grandchild on the way, Brystol Burgess; two siblings, Dora Edmondson, Michael (Connie) Sootsman; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was also preceded in passing by his siblings, Gene, Sharron, Karen and Carol.