Clyde Dale Sexton, 89, entered eternal rest on March 2, 2024 in North Platte, Nebraska. He was the third child born to Ray Henry Sexton, Sr. and Dorothy Cecil (Piel) Sexton at home in Mullen, Nebraska on August 18, 1934.
Clyde grew up and attended school in Mullen, graduating in 1952. Weekends and after school were spent helping his dad with his trucking business, hauling feed, coal, and cattle. Later he would haul cattle to Omaha and Sioux City, then haul feed back to the Mullen area. He helped his dad move houses all over the Sandhills, even barracks from the old Alliance Army Airfield.
Flying was a passion; Clyde received his pilot’s license around 1950. He enjoyed flying until he moved to Scottsbluff. It was there he had the opportunity to fly in a hot air balloon. Last year, at 88 years old, he had the thrill of piloting a glider. Over the years, he flew to check water and pastures, spot coyotes and fires or just for fun which included doing some stunts.
On July 15, 1953 Clyde married Patricia Lavelle Phipps at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Mullen, Nebraska. They lived in the Pete Boyer apartment until they moved a house from northwest of Mullen, crossing the Middle Loup River and setting it on a basement in Mullen. Pat taught school while Clyde drove trucks and worked for Franke Construction. After daughter Carol Rae was born in 1957, he delivered fuel and propane for the Mullen Co-op. Daughter, Susan Lavelle was born in 1960. In 1961, they started ranching north of Mullen at the Charles Phipps ranch. Son, Dale Luther was born in 1965.
In 1966, they built their home on their ranch 4 miles east of Mullen. He asked the brick layers working on the Mullen High School at the time if they would brick his house. They bricked it in one weekend. It was one of the first all-electric homes built to the standard being promoted by Nebraska Public Power District. Besides ranching, they also had a gravel pit business. He enjoyed brand inspecting and selling David Harum feeds.
Clyde and Pat had been married over 25 years when she passed away January 9, 1979.
On May 19, 1979, his daughters had a double wedding on a meadow by the river flowing through the ranch. Clyde said it was the most beautiful cathedral you could find. The Episcopal Bishop Jim Warner presided over the ceremony.
Before selling the ranch in 1987, he purchased the Capri Motel in Scottsbluff, Nebraska in June 1985 about 5 years after remarrying and later added on the mini storage business.
Clyde was involved in the community as an EMT, Mullen Ambulance, Rural Fire Department, the Church Vestry, serving as both Jr. and Sr. warden, a 4-H leader, Knights of Columbus, the Scottsbluff Chamber and the Lodging Association.
He loved to play in the snow, as in shoveling or blading it. You would often find him clearing snow for others. In the summer, mowing replaced the snow removal fun. Almost every gathering included playing cards, Pitch and 31, or “Quarters” as it became known. He was on a bowling league and loved to dance. He enjoyed seeing his grandchildren and later his great-grandchildren in their activities.
Deceased before him include his wife, Patricia, son, Dale, grandson, Kade Alishouse, parents, Ray and Dorothy Sexton, and brother, Ray Henry Sexton, Jr.
He will be missed by daughters, Carol (Kevin) Alishouse, Susan (Eddie) Steel, grandchildren, Brandi Tillman, Charles (Lori) Steel, Patricia Steel, James (Reyne’) Alishouse, Jesse Alishouse, Jacob (Sara) Alishouse, Cami (Marshall) Sheldon, Dylan Sexton. Great-grandchildren, Jayden and Carlee Tillman, Bradley and Aubrey Steel, Marian, Gloria, Rita, and Lillian Alishouse, Addilynn Alishouse, Elizabeth and Henry Alishouse, Beckham, Brooklynn, and Beau Sheldon. Sisters, Irene (Jerry) Seidler, Lola (Gary) Swanson, Shirley Sweet (Ralph Wallace).
Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com and memorials are suggested to the charity of donor’s choice. For those who are unable to attend the service will be live streamed on our website at www.adamsswanson.com .
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 6th at 1 pm MT at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, Mullen, Nebraska. Burial will follow at Cedarview Cemetery, Mullen, Nebraska. Visitation will be from noon to 7 pm CT, Tuesday, March 5, 2024 with family present between 5 and 7 pm CT at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte, Nebraska. Dessert will be served at the church after the services. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.