Earl Duane Clews 84 passed away on August 19, 2020. He was a resident of WaKeeney since graduating from Arnold High School in 1954. He was a resident of the Trego County Long Term Care since August 2017. Earl was born December 8, 1935 in Arnold, Kansas, 1 of 8 children to John H. Clews & Ester B. (Weber) Clews.
After high school graduation he entered the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. He then fell in love with Wilma J. Bender and they were married on October 27, 1957. To this union 3 children were born. Wilma preceded him in in death November 1984. Earl then married Jennie L. Lorenz Zordel, April 12, 1986, gaining 6 stepchildren.
Earl is survived by two brothers, Dale and wife Shirley of Garden City, KS; Vyrl “Hank” Clews and wife Patty of McKinney, TX; children, Mark Clews of WaKeeney, KS, Jeanette Clews of Wichita, KS, Tracey Post and husband Dustin of Kansas City, MO; stepchildren Peggy Carter and husband Jim of Graham, TX, Terrence Zordel and wife Lao of Smith, AL, Daniel Zordel and wife Loretta of Hays, KS, Kelly Bliss and fiancé Lee Chaney of Graham, TX, Timothy Zordel and wife Sandy of Silver Lake, KS, step son-in-law Matthew Venechuk, Surprise, AZ; 13 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents John H. Clews & Ester B. (Weber) Clews; wives Wilma J. (Bender) Clews; Jennie (Lorenz, Zordel) Clews; his sister Fern Green, and brothers Kenneth, Leroy, Floyd, Don and stepdaughter Tammy (Zordel) Venechuk.
Earl worked for Verbeck Lumber Yard for 33 years. Most people in WaKeeney knew that if any supplies were needed and it was after hours all they had to do was contact Earl and he would meet them there to get things. He then worked for a local farmer for 10 years before officially retiring. For many years, in addition to the above jobs, he mowed lawns and rototilled gardens. He loved interacting with the public. He was an avid gardener; if you wanted to try some type of vegetable or fruit he probably grew it or at least tried to. Wheat farming was also very important to him.
If he ever found any spare time, when he wasn’t working, he loved playing horseshoes and going dancing. He could really “cut the rug” when he wanted to. After long days of work he would relax and enjoy a mixed drink of his whiskey.
He was a lifetime member of the Eagles Lodge as well as the American Legion.
Funeral service - 10 a.m., Monday, August 24, 2020, at Schmitt Funeral Home, with Pastor Randy Gibbs officiating. Burial will follow at the city cemetery.
Visitation - Sunday 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Trego County Long Term Care/Activities Department. Donations made to the LTC may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672. Earl loved participating in games arts and crafts they provided.