With the passing of Judge Cloyd Clark this past weekend, McCook and Southwest Nebraska has lost one its most vocal, most passionate, most boisterous supporters.
While Cloyd had been ill for a short time, his death still comes as a shock and now the tributes and accolades have begun to pour in. And not just because he was so active in the community, but because Cloyd was larger than life. His booming voice, his bushy mustache, his deep-throated laugh.
There are so many words to describe Cloyd, who will have an impact on our community for generations to come, and these are just a few from those who knew him, worked alongside him, and loved him.
An amazing delegator. An idea guy.
Cloyd didn’t just talk the talk….O.K. he sometimes did just talk the talk but that usually led to the project still happening. One of the things Cloyd was so good at was coming up with ideas and then somehow getting others to do them. He was so persuasive in his ability to get others to follow up on the unique ideas which popped into his head.
Welcoming and gracious. Passionate leader.
Over and over, people are remembering Cloyd as the person who boosted them up, who gave them confidence in themselves, who made them think their idea was possible. He had an open mind for what the future might hold and encouraged others to make those ideas happen.
Amazing storyteller. Colorful.
Cloyd loved to tell stories and could enrapture an audience with his enthusiasm, which led to the the concept of a storytelling festival, especially after outsiders visited and said everyone here should just pack up their bags and leave. With the help of many others, the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival was born and continues to thrive and grow more than 20 years later.
Hard worker…at fun.
From the start of the Live at the Bieroc concert series, Cloyd and Linda Clark could be found front and center for the shows at Sehnert’s Bakery. At nearly every show, Cloyd would be at “his” table with a bottle of wine nearby, a hearty laugh at the ready and prepared to interact and possibly sing along with the performer.
Ornery and humorous.
Cloyd always a joke or a story ready for his audience, whether it was his regular lunch bunch which included his wife, Linda, and Sharon Bohling, Dale and Mary Dueland and Cathy and Bruce McDowell, or someone who just happened to be passing by.
Elder Statesman. Passionate Leader.
To say Cloyd was influential and involved is an understatement. At his passing, Cloyd was still heavily active, serving as president of the Norris Institute which is working to create Norris Alley; and a member of the High Plains Museum board, which is undergoing many tremendous updates. And in addition to having the distinction of Rotary District Governor, Cloyd rarely missed a McCook Rotary meeting, where he could be counted on to use his deep baritone voice to belt out the weekly sing-along.
Man with a Plan. Early Supporter.
Cloyd always seemed to have a twinkle in his eye, especially when he thought about the future and the possibilities for our community. He was a genuine listener, who was always interested in ideas about what was possible.
Woo and welcoming.
“Woo” stands for winning others over, enjoying the challenge of meeting new people and getting them to like you. According to his son, Paul, Cloyd was most proud that one of his strengths was “woo” because ultimately he was going to make friends with everyone in the room…whether they knew it or not.
Kind and deep. Incredibly huge heart.
At the end of the day, Cloyd loved people. It showed when he was on the bench as a judge, pulling parents to the side to determine the best course of action for their child before donning his robe to make the decision official. It showed in the creation of the Prairie Plains Court Appointed Special Advocates program to advocate for the safety and well-being of children.
Legendary.
I don’t include that word lightly but McCook won’t be the same with Cloyd’s passing. He truly wanted what was best for McCook and for its citizens and he made a difference in so many people’s lives over the years.
There is no way to fill Cloyd’s shoes and there is a great void - literally a void on many committees and organizations in our community. So what is the best way to remember and honor Cloyd’s legacy?
It is to step up and get involved. It is to continue to telling stories and sharing a glass of wine. It is to remember that every day is a gift and embrace it with a belly-filled laugh.
If we truly want to remember and honor Judge Cloyd Clark, we must remember his spirit and work together to make McCook an even better place to call home.
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Getting Outside of National Night Out Nearly everyone can tell you their last interaction with the police or the fire department. And unfortunately because of the nature of the organizations, it is usually not at a positive moment. My last contact with the McCook Police Department was just a few weeks ago, when I was pulled over on B Street in McCook…on my scooter. I pulled into the wrong lane when making a turn, which is illegal. But in my defense, it was an act of self-defense to just get through the intersection of East B and Sixth streets alive. Since the drivers haven’t seen a stop-light since Holdrege, cars and semis regularly run the traffic light, which makes me a wee bit vulnerable as I pass through the lanes. I got off with a warning but the true punishment were the texts throughout the day from everyone who saw me with my scooter and the police officer. Since most exchanges with police and fire are not on good terms, National Night Out was created to have an evening of positive interactions, to remind the public that the police and fire departments are just normal people, doing their jobs, looking out for their friends and neighbors, trying to create a safe community for everyone. National Night Out is designed to simply join your friends and neighbors for an evening of fellowship and fun. It is an opportunity to meet local law enforcement, creating safer and more caring neighborhoods. McCook is joining thousands of other communities across the country in hosting National Night Out, which typically takes place on the first Tuesday of August every year. Planned for Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 5:30-7 p.m. in and around Norris Park in McCook, the night includes a bike parade, a walk, awards for bike decorating, desserts and more. In other words, it is simply a block party to hang out. Numerous organizations have come together to make the evening possible. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the McCook Rotary Club are hosting a bike parade that starts at 6 p.m. Linda Maiden with State Farm, a bicycle helmet advocate, will also be in Norris Park. The streets around Norris Park will be shut down to provide a safe area to ride, as well as more space to cruise around the block. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bike, scooter, roller skates or anything on wheels. This could mean streamers, pompom balls, markers or even the old classic - playing cards in the spokes of your wheels. Some supplies will be available at the park for use if you show up and realize you are the most underdressed person at the party. If your bike has an inch of dust on it, this is a great time to get it out, wipe it off and get it rolling. And if your bike needs minimal fixes like a flat tire or a brake adjustment, bike tools will be on hand along with myself and my hubbie, who know just enough about bike repair to be dangerous but did manage a 300-plus mile bike ride last week so we must be doing something right. But let’s say you don’t have a bike or biking isn’t your cup of tea? Then you are still encouraged to join the “Walk in the Park,” hosted by Community Hospital. Designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle, walkers will stroll around the park and the neighborhood at whatever pace you feel like with strollers and dogs on leashes welcomed. And perhaps most importantly, there will be a chance to meet members of the McCook Police and Fire Department, getting to see police cars and fire engines close-up in a non-emergency manner, always the best way to see them. And if the weather cooperates, there may be a fire hose, water and spraying involved. If you have been at the Culbertson Fourth of July parade, you know it is up to you to stay out of the line of fire if you want to remain dry. We all have excuses for why we don’t want to go out at night, especially after a long day at work. But National Night Out in McCook on Aug. 5 is a great reason to get out your bicycle and lace up your walking shoes. Hang out with your friends, get to know your neighbors and meet your first responders. That is what makes our communities just a little bit better.
Judy McCune named July 2025 McCook volunteer of the month
Joyce Anderson named June 2025 McCook Volunteer of the Month
