A graduate of Ava High School Louis O. Clinkingbeard, Jr., 80, of Gladstone, passed away April 4 with his family by his side.
He was a graduate of Ava High School. He served in combat and as an MP in the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division during WWII. He was a decorated war veteran and awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received in action against the Japanese forces on Luzon Island, Philippines.
After the war he married the love of his life of 57 years, Emma Cornelius, and together, they raised four daughters. He was a member of Gladstone VFW post #10906 and the Northland Optimist Club. He was a retail grocery manager in the greater Kansas City area for many years. After retiring, he drove a school bus for the North Kansas City School District.
He earned his real estate broker’s license and served as treasurer of his investment club for many years. He enjoyed his friends, especially those he walked with every morning at Antioch Mall for the last 14 years and those at area Northland businesses. He also enjoyed working in his flower and vegetable gardens, camping, fishing, bargain shopping, going to the racetrack, and traveling. But most of all, his family was his pride and joy, his inspiration, and his reason for living. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Oliver Sr. and Minnie Bell Clinkingbeard, and sister Verba Sivils.
He is survived by his wife Emma; their daughters and husbands, Helen and Harry Rehkop Jr., Marjorie and Patrick McGinty, Linda and Roger Penland, and Deborah and James Flack; 10 grandchildren: Hal, Crystal, Sarah, Mark, Valerie, Megan, Ryan, Kyle, Lauren, and Austin; five great-grand children; five nieces; one nephew; numerous cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held at White Chapel Funeral Home April 6 at 6 p.m. with services at 10 a.m April 7.
Visitation at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava is Saturday, April 8 at 10 a.m., followed by a military graveside service by American Legion Post 112 and VFW Post 5993 at 11 a.m. at Ava Cemetery with Rev. Oren Alcorn officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Northcare Hospice or the American Cancer Society.
