In Loving Memory of C J (Jodie) Clavel

C J (Jodie) Clavel age 94, of Roy, died January 6, 2018, following a short illness.  He was born October 25, 1923, in Tucumcari to Celestin Joseph and Bernice Lane Clavel.  He first saw his beloved Twin Creek Ranch horseback driving a herd of cattle when he was ten years old and never left except to attend school in Tucumcari and for a short stint in the army during World War II.

 

Jodie’s early years were spent in Tucumcari.  His work ethic started young as he was hired to deliver milk door to door from the local creamery before school started every morning.  He partook in the goodies as part of his pay and consequently developed a big sweet tooth.  Throughout life, he loved his sweets and especially a good milkshake.  In High School he loved football and was an outstanding athlete.

 

When Jodie was 17 his father died, and he, his mother, and 10 year old brother took over the management of the ranch.  Locals were wagering they wouldn’t last a year.   Five months later a devastating flood wiped out the ranch house and left them homeless.  By winter they had rebuilt the ranch house, hauling rocks from the canyon with a team and wagon.  Twin Creek Ranch flourished, grew, and still exists today.

 

Jodie developed a love for flying and was an accomplished pilot for nearly 70 years.  His piloting served as a tool for the ranch, checking water and cattle and commuting between ranches in South Dakota and Tucumcari. He was a founding member of Troop 15 of the NM Mounted Patrol and was a member for 25 years.  His plane served as an asset to the Patrol, State Police and community as he flew many hours on local rescue missions.  He flew with grace and mastery and was happiest in the air.

 

Jodie was a strong advocate for the beef industry and was a driving force in forming the NM Beef Council. He served as its first chairman.  He believed in the beef business and he believed in his Hereford cattle. He thought everyone should probably have Hereford cattle and that “everything else belonged in the zoo”.  He demanded and expected the utmost care for his cattle and land and spent countless hours “tending to his business”.  He prided himself on having good cattle and riding good horses.

 

Jodie loved to tell stories of the old days, got a kick out of hearing his kids and grandkids talk into the recorder at Christmas time, and was fond of Spanish music. He was determined and self-reliant and overcame many trials.  His scrappy spirit and tenacity for life will be missed.

 

Jodie met his future wife, Patsy Dennis during High School.  Patsy and Jodie graduated from Tucumcari High School together and on Christmas day in 1943 were married.  They were together for 68 years until her passing in 2011

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Patsy, and brother Calvin.  He is survived by children Joe and Tootie Clavel of Roy, Dick and Shirley Clavel of Tempe, Arizona, Dale and Sharon Clavel of Cloudcroft, and Becky and Nathan Wallace of San Jon, as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

 

Graveside services and burial will be held at the ranch at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2018. Visitation will be Friday, January 12 from 1-4pm at Dunn Funeral Home in Tucumcari NM.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to the Pinon CowBelles, or a charity of their choice.

age 94, of Roy, died January 6, 2018, following a short illness. He was born October 25, 1923, in Tucumcari to Celestin Joseph and Bernice Lane Clavel. He first saw his beloved Twin Creek Ranch horseback driving a herd of cattle when he was ten years old and never left except to attend school in Tucumcari and for a short stint in the army during World War II.

Jodie’s early years were spent in Tucumcari. His work ethic started young as he was hired to deliver milk door to door from the local creamery before school started every morning. He partook in the goodies as part of his pay and consequently developed a big sweet tooth. Throughout life, he loved his sweets and especially a good milkshake. In High School he loved football and was an outstanding athlete.

When Jodie was 17 his father died, and he, his mother, and 10 year old brother took over the management of the ranch. Locals were wagering they wouldn’t last a year. Five months later a devastating flood wiped out the ranch house and left them homeless. By winter they had rebuilt the ranch house, hauling rocks from the canyon with a team and wagon. Twin Creek Ranch flourished, grew, and still exists today.

Jodie developed a love for flying and was an accomplished pilot for nearly 70 years. His piloting served as a tool for the ranch, checking water and cattle and commuting between ranches in South Dakota and Tucumcari. He was a founding member of Troop 15 of the NM Mounted Patrol and was a member for 25 years. His plane served as an asset to the Patrol, State Police and community as he flew many hours on local rescue missions. He flew with grace and mastery and was happiest in the air.

Jodie was a strong advocate for the beef industry and was a driving force in forming the NM Beef Council. He served as its first chairman. He believed in the beef business and he believed in his Hereford cattle. He thought everyone should probably have Hereford cattle and that “everything else belonged in the zoo”. He demanded and expected the utmost care for his cattle and land and spent countless hours “tending to his business”. He prided himself on having good cattle and riding good horses.

Jodie loved to tell stories of the old days, got a kick out of hearing his kids and grandkids talk into the recorder at Christmas time, and was fond of Spanish music. He was determined and self-reliant and overcame many trials. His scrappy spirit and tenacity for life will be missed.

Jodie met his future wife, Patsy Dennis during High School. Patsy and Jodie graduated from Tucumcari High School together and on Christmas day in 1943 were married. They were together for 68 years until her passing in 2011
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Patsy, and brother Calvin. He is survived by children Joe and Tootie Clavel of Roy, Dick and Shirley Clavel of Tempe, Arizona, Dale and Sharon Clavel of Cloudcroft, and Becky and Nathan Wallace of San Jon, as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Graveside services and burial will be held at the ranch at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2018. Visitation will be Friday, January 12 from 1-4pm at Dunn Funeral Home in Tucumcari NM. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to the Pinon CowBelles, or a charity of their choice.