Homer Naumann

Homer LaRoy Naumann passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, at the age of 101 at Park Villa Nursing Home, Clyde, KS. Homer was born on January 15, 1925, near Idana KS, to Harold and Elsie (Jenkins) Naumann. As a young boy Homer was raised on farms in and around Clay County. He attended grade school at Bunton School west of Vining, KS and graduated from Clifton High School in 1943.

Homer joined the US Navy in June 1943 during WWII. Seaman First Class Naumann served in the South Pacific, stationed in Brisbane, Australia and Subic Bay, Philippines, sailing on many different ships. After his honorable discharge in February of 1946, Homer returned to Clifton, where he immediately began dating Opal Irene Rand. They were married on August 2, 1946, a marriage that blessed them with four children and many memorable adventures together for 70 years.

Before and after his military service, Homer worked for various farmers, and held various jobs in the community, including with Southwestern Bell Telephone. After he and Opal were married, they farmed for a few years and eventually moved to Clifton in 1951, when Homer went to work for Northern Natural Gas Company, a job that became his career for 37 years.

Homer enjoyed electrical work and in 1954 he started Naumann TV and Electric with RCA and Whirlpool, a storefront on main street of Clifton. This served as a good second job for him until 1969 when he was promoted to Control Technician at Northern, at which time he decided to sell the business. Eventually as he continued to find himself doing more electrical work, he formed a new business, Naumann Enterprise, which continued to keep him actively busy for many years after his retirement from Northern.

Family, volunteer service, patriotism, and community involvement were a big part of Homer’s life. He was a member of the Faith United Presbyterian Church where he ran the Radio Room for 52 years, ensuring Sunday services were broadcasted on the radio in the 1970s. Homer joined the Clifton American Legion Post 227 in 1946, becoming a life member. He served as Post Commander and held various positions over the years, including having a vital role with the Avenue of Flags. He was a life member of both the Clyde VFW Post 7515 Clyde, KS and the 40/8 of Manhattan, KS. He was a member of the Clifton and Clyde Lions Club for 52 years, served several years on the Clifton City Council, and was a member of the Clifton Voluntary Fire Department for 30 years.

Homer was preceded in death by his wife Opal; his parents; a daughter Sharon L Reed; brother Harold Dean Naumann; sister Maxine Mowry; one granddaughter, one great granddaughter, and one great-great grandson.

Homer is survived by his daughter Shirley Marrs of Clifton, KS; son Leroy (Pat) Naumann of Clifton, KS; and daughter Kathy (Tom) Klein of Silver Lake, KS; 9 grandchildren: Lori ( Ken) Knepper, Newton, KS; Lonnie Marrs, Lymon, WY; Terry R. Nelson, Independence, MO; Diana (David) Slate, Hanford, CA; Sheila Hampton, Concordia, KS; Kama (Daniel) Barnes, Clifton, KS; Shannon (Matthew) Bergmann, Silver Lake KS; Sara (Brandon) Shepherd, Topeka KS; Joshua Klein, Ellis KS; 24 great grandchildren and 23 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Faith United Presbyterian Church, Clifton KS. Visitation will be prior to the service at 9:30 AM. Internment with military honors will follow the service at Pleasant View Cemetery (Vining Cemetery).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Homer’s name to Faith United Presbyterian Church in Clifton or Clifton American Legion Post 227 and may be sent in care of Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home, 918 Seventh St, Clay Center, KS 67432.