Clarence Floyd Andersen

Clarence Floyd Andersen died Nov. 24, 2022.

He was born to Clark Edmond and Faye Francis (Bates) Andersen at Oak, Nebraska, on August 12, 1932. He was the second of four children, older sister, Betty, and brothers, Alfred and Carl.

In a life of 90 years, there are many chapters written, but one overwhelming theme ran through all of Clarence's book of life, working the land and the love of all things farming, ranching and outdoors.

He worked with his father from an early age using a team of horses and raw human strength and determination. Clarence went from driving that team to modern day GPS self-driving machines with air conditioned cabs. He had the ability to master all things mechanical. He passed down to his four boys the self-reliant work ethics that we all admired and learned to depend on.

He liked gardening and would pore over the seed catalogs in the cold of winter, reading every word. Clarence was a proud veteran, serving in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a jet mechanic, having one of only three "run up and taxi" licenses on the base.

He was an accomplished welder and fabricator, which he put to good use in his custom hay business. Raising livestock was pivotal in his ranching with hogs, sheep and cattle, along with horses and working dogs.

Clarence was one of the first to introduce the Missouri Fox Trotters to his area and enjoyed organizing the shows and sales for many years. He loved his dogs; they were his best friends and best ranch hands.

Clarence had been ill for a number of years but kept in good spirits and died at home in Lovell, Wyoming on Thanksgiving evening of natural causes. Clarence is celebrating a long-awaited reunion with dearly departed family members, including son Howard, who preceded him in death, and we are thankful he is out of pain and at peace.

He leaves to mourn his passing his devoted wife and caregiver of 22 years, Denise (Holder); in-laws, Bill (Donna) Holder of Powell, Wyoming, sister, Betty Corman of Nebraska, sons, Jim (Pat) of California, Ed (Ada Beth) of Idaho and Ron of Byron, Wyoming; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many lifelong friends, as well as his two comfort dogs, Gypsy Rose and JR.

Words cannot express the gratitude Clarence's family has for the staff and volunteers of the North Big Horn Senior Center, the health care providers of North Big Horn Hospital and New Horizons Care Center and the loving hearts of Stillwater Hospice nurses and aides. Blessed beyond measure, donations in Clarence's name may be sent to the Lovell Food Pantry or the North Big Horn Senior Center. Thank you.

A viewing was held Friday, Dec. 2, from 1 to 2 p.m. followed by the funeral at 2 p.m. at Haskell Funeral Home. Interment with military honors followed and the service in the Lovell Cemetery.

A reception was held at the North Big Horn Senior Center.