Clarence W. McClayland's Obituary
Clarence W. McClayland, age 91, of Fredonia, Kansas, died Thursday, September 22, 2011 at the Golden Living Center in Fredonia. Clarence was born on April 7, 1920 to Leafie Lois Rice and John William McClayland on a farm between Severy and Fall River, KS. He attended country grade school and was a graduate of Severy High School.
In high school, Clarence had one passion-baseball. He was an outstanding Pitcher. He played on the Severy team and they played in competition with Wichita East and distinguished themselves by winning a tournament game. Clarence held the state strikeout record for 66 years. He later was invited twice to try out with the St. Louis Cardinals.
On August 15, 1948 Clarence married Ione Jones in Wichita, Kansas. They were married for 63 years. Ione survives at her home.
In later years, as well as earning a reputation for being a good farmer, he was a promoter of the Herford breed of cattle. He was happiest when the cattle won shows. His children and grandchildren did well at this including a grandson who won a National Junior Hereford Show.
The McClayland family farm housed an Ashley Railroad Stop which is said to have hauled all of the material which was used in the building of the Fall River Dam. In later years the farm and the interests it held were center stage in his life. The success and interests of his progeny were evidence of things done right in his years on earth.
Survivors including his wife Ione are:
Three Sons:
Dean McClayland of New Mexico and currently working in Iraq.
Kevin McClayland and wife Priyanat of Fredonia, KS
Brent McClayland and wife Tammy of Alma, KS
One Daughter:
Marilyn Stevens of Diamond Head, MS
One Sister:
Myrna Pinkstaff and husband Bob of Wichita, KS
5 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, September 26, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. at Countryside Funeral Home, with Pastor Charlotte Coates officiating, burial to follow at the Twin Grove Cemetery in Severy. Public visitation will be Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 4-7 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials have been suggested to the Wilson County 4-H Club, and may be left with the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247 Fredonia, KS 66736
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