Virgil Lloyd

Virgil J. Lloyd, Sr. was born March 22, 1918 in Exeter Township, Clay County, Kansas. He was the last surviving child of nine children born to James C. and Mabel Lloyd. He passed out of our lives on October 14, 2010. Virgil married Arlene Turner on August 3, 1938. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1988 in Kansas City (and then Las Vegas). He was caregiver for Arlene from 1982 to 1997. They had three children. He and his family moved many times: living in Clay Center, Formoso, KS, Coffeyville, KS, Tonkawa, OK, Larned, KS, Clay Center, Salina, KS, Bartlesville, OK, Brush, CO, and finally back to Clay Center in 1981. Virgil lived a full and interesting life, and was, by turns, a farmer, worked at the old Swift’s plant in Clay Center for a short time, a lumberman, a contractor, a remodeling contractor, furniture maker, worked for the County Appraiser’s office of Clay County, and, lastly, was City Building Inspector for Clay Center 20+ years (until age 91). He graduated from Longford High School when he was 16 years old. One of his many talents was that he could add and subtract in his head extremely fast, and that talent continued until his last illness. He joined the Elks Club and Masonic Lodge in Beloit in 1948. He was also a volunteer fireman in Formoso, KS, and he was Chamber of Commerce “Man of the Year” (twice) in Bartlesville, OK. He joined the Rotary Club in Brush, CO and received the “Boss of the Year” award from Brush High School for his work with youth in the co-op training program. He had a lifelong love of horses, and fishing and camping were his favorite pastimes. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Arlene Turner Lloyd, by his parents and by 8 siblings: Fred, Ida Lloyd Beeson, Clyde, Clee, Iliff, Letha Lloyd Dean, Gladys Lloyd Matheny, and Elsie Lloyd Porter. His children remember him in so many ways: absolutely devoted to the family, as a story teller, loving father, dry witted, a big tease, friendly and helpful toward others, enjoyed teaching you how to do something, and he loved a good joke. At one point in his life, he was related to almost the whole south end of Clay County, especially the Oak Hill and Longford areas. He liked to tell stories of what life was like there in the 20’s and 30’s, and he had a phenomenal memory of Clay County history. He is survived by three children and their families: Iris Jan and husband, Charles L. Conner; Judith Ann and husband, C. L. Snodgrass; Virgil J. Lloyd, Jr., and wife, Connie J.; 8 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. His companion of 13 years, Hazel Kimbrough, also survives him. The family thanks the staff of Presbyterian Manor for the care and compassion they showed our father in his final days and our thanks, also, to Dr. David Larson. Memorials to Presbyterian Manor of Clay Center, KS or to his favorite charity, Salina Rescue Mission. Please send any memorials to Neill Schwensen Rook Funeral Home, 918 Seventh St., Clay Center, Kansas 67432. Announcement of memorial service arrangements will be forthcoming.