Clarence McCune

Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Clarence McCune

Clarence Kay McCune Jan. 29, 1919 ­ Oct. 3, 2009.

Itıs a time of sadness; itıs a time of celebration. Clarence "Mac" McCune completed the circle of life on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. He arrived on this planet much the same way that he left it ­ in an unassuming and quiet manner. He was born at home and he departed this life at home.

We invite all of Macıs friends to join us for a viewing at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, from 12­2 p.m., immediately followed by a funeral service. A committal service with military honors by the American Legion Post #26 will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to your local animal shelter.

Mac was born to John and Cornelia McCune in Woods County, Oklahoma, during the winter of 1919, their third child of what was to be six children. He was delivered at home by his grandmother and lived a typical life as a child and adolescent, getting into trouble occasionally; nothing serious, just a tipped over outhouse or two.

As one of the Greatest Generation, he lived through the Great Depression and enlisted in the military, joining the Army in 1941. He fought in WWII, seeing combat in Normandy and other arenas.

Upon his discharge in 1945, he worked in farming and construction. It wasn't long before he met his future bride to be, Ada Louise Suhm, who described him as the most handsome man sheıd ever seen.

Clarence and Ada were married on Dec. 2, 1947, in Denver, Colo. Living in Idaho and then Kansas for several years, they eventually settled in Mountain Home in 1954. At that time, Mac was a barber by trade and worked several years at MHAFB before moving to Elwood Barber Shop on Main Street, where he was part owner. He opened his own shop, Macıs Barber Shop in 1960. Mac worked as a barber for over 20 years before taking full-time employment with the United States Postal Service in 1970. He retired from there in 1984.

Mac and Ada enjoyed visiting with their friends, often meeting them at Daylight Donuts or the D.I. They danced with the Sage Brush Shufflers, where they were lifetime members and Clarence was a past president.

Mac is survived by his loving wife, Ada; three children, Vicky Simmonds (Richard), Brenda Barton, and Kelly McCune; three grandchildren, Ryan Simmonds (Mandi), Marc Simmonds (Rebecca), and Michael Barton (Stephanie); and eight-plus great-grandchildren, Mackenzii, Gabrielle, Emily, Austin, Bailey, Conner, Jackson, Madeline, and another one on the way.

Time goes by too quickly. It seems like only yesterday that Mac was a young husband and father who worked hard, sometimes three jobs at once, to provide for his family. We will always remember the times we spent together, his corny jokes, and off-key folksy singing. Macıs life may appear unremarkable to some, but to those who knew him, he was a remarkable man.

Mac once said that he loved old boots and old dogs. He also loved teasing people, especially little children. He tried to be gruff at times, but we all knew what a big heart he had. We will miss him terribly, but we will never forget him, as he will always be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.