Clyde Eddie Tinsley, 90, of Mountain Grove, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, May 20, 2021, after a long illness. He was born in Manes, on April 14, 1931, to Aaron and Beulah (Williams) Tinsley. He resided in Manes until 1953, when he was drafted into the United States Army, and was stationed in Hokkaido, Japan during the Korean Conflict. He proudly served as a Corporal for two years before retuning to the Ozark hills. Clyde was joined in marriage to Annabelle Robson on May 26, 1956. Four daughters were born to this union, Dr. Joyce Tinsley (Dr. Tu Nguyen), of Old Lyme, Conn.; Janice Driskill (Joe Driskill), of Jefferson City; Jeannie Young (Dr. Peter Young), of Kansas City; and Judy Brax (Jon Brax), of Leawood, Kan.; and six grandchildren, Dr. Aaron Driskill, Hope Driskill (Cal Shapiro), Dr. Eliza Nguyen (Dr. Senan Ebrahim), Luke Nguyen, Hayden Brax and Garrett Brax. He was preceded in death by his parents; his three brothers Oris, Cecil and Bacel; and four infant sisters. Clyde loved farming and never knew what it meant to take a day off. Whether it was milking, doing the hay or raising beef cattle, he worked tirelessly to care for his land and animals. It wasn’t unusual for him to go out during all hours of the night to check on cows during calving season. One Christmas, he even recruited three of his non-farming, city-dwelling sons-in-law to help deliver a calf. Clyde surrendered his life to the ministry and pastored several area churches over four decades. Over the years he touched many lives as he performed weddings, baptisms and funerals, evangelized during revivals, and was faithful in preaching the Gospel Sunday mornings and nights, and leading weekly Wednesday night prayer meetings. When Clyde was in his 60s, he taught himself to play golf and enjoyed many hours on local courses. After that passion waned, he turned his attention and energy to music, learning to play the guitar and harmonica. He and Annabelle spent many Friday nights at the Manes Music Makers and he played with a band that entertained at local nursing homes. He always enjoyed people and visiting with folks at Wal-Mart and at McDonalds over coffee. Throughout his illness he never lost the twinkle in his eyes nor his keen sense of humor. It was through the tenacious efforts of Annabelle that Clyde was able to remain in the home until his passing, along with help from his home caregivers through the Veterans Health Administration and Compassus Hospice. Special thanks to Adam Richardson and his family for their selfless dedication to their one-time neighbors who became like family.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 26 at 1 p.m. followed by services at 2 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Burial with military honors by the United States Army and American Legion Post No. 30 will be at the Green Mountain Cemetery immediately following, under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Green Mountain Cemetery, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
