Van Cloyd, Jr.

Van William "Bill" Cloyd, Jr, of Sharon Springs, KS, passed away at Goodland Regional Medical Center November 11, 2021 at the age of 80.

Bill was born in Haviland, KS on July 7, 1941. He was the youngest of nine children born to Van William Cloyd Sr. and Lola Mildred (Ellis) Cloyd. When he was just two years old the family moved to Wallace County.

Bill attended school in Weskan, until he gave up his senior year to join the US Army. He was enlisted in the MIlitary Police dog handler school. Bill and his dog Rex were sent overseas to Korea. Upon returning home due to the passing of his father, he was stationed at Ft Riley, KS. Bill served for six years in the Army. After which he was honorably discharged he became a night marshal in St Francis, KS then moved to Eaton, CO and was on the police force. He later returned to Kansas and was employed by Garvey Elevator as a truck driver. While working for Smokey Valley Bean in Sharon Springs he bought his own truck and started driving for himself and became an owner operator leased to WKTI. After he sold his truck he started driving for Yellow Freight out of Goodland, KS and then was employed by ABF until his retirement. Unable to sit still he worked part time for Hennick Lumber and Justin Schemm Farms.

He was most proud of being commander of the VFW Post 6844 in Sharon Springs for 25 years. He also really enjoyed spending time at coffee club visiting with the guys.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Betty Jane Harris, Gladys Miller, Velma Stephens and Beunola Hill; brothers Harold Cloyd, Dale Cloyd and Phil Cloyd and in-laws Ronald and Amelia Bricker.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years Laura Cloyd, children Len Cloyd, Lance (Miranda) Cloyd, Vanessa Cloyd, Kalin Cloyd, Jackie Battistoni, Rodney Cloyd, Tony Cloyd, Glenda (Greg) Walstrom, and his sister Marvel Armstrong, along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.