'Davey and Goliath' and 'Gumby' creator Art Clokey dies at 88

(RNS) Art Clokey, the creator of the animated icon Gumby and his clay Christian counterparts “Davey and Goliath,” died Jan. 8 at his home in California. He was 88.

His son, Joe Clokey, told The New York Times that his father died in his sleep.

Though Art Clokey was best known for “Gumby,” his work on the television program “Davey and Goliath” showed “the spiritual side of my dad,” Joe Clokey told the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s news service.

The “Davey and Goliath” episodes, which developed a loyal following from 1960-1975, were 15 minutes long – about the length of some sermons – and known for imparting simple moral lessons.