Rufus Andrew "Bud" Clinkingbeard of Ava, MO passed January 26, 2022 at home with his family by his side.  He was born November 21, 1931 the third child to Berma and Ersel Clinkingbeard in Ava, MO on the Family Homestead in Douglas County. He was born in his grandparents house, which previously stood next to the only two other places he called home.  He attended grades 1-5 in the one room Lakey School, a building that is still in use on the Clinkingbeard Farm.  Bud graduated from Ava High School in 1951 and joined the US Navy shortly after, serving 4 years as an Electrician on the USS Ashtabula oil tanker during the Korean Conflict.  Bud met LaVelle Brentlinger while he was stationed at Long Beach, California.  They married in Ava in 1956 and with a GI Loan he purchased his Grandfather's Homestead Farm.  Danny Andrew "Andy" was born the following year.

As a boy, Buddy roamed the homestead gigging frogs, grabbin' suckers and trapping/shooting small game for the family dinner table. Bud enjoyed to tell the story that he provided squirrels and rabbits for his mom's famous biscuits and gravy most mornings.  He was very fortunate to have both sets of grandparents living nearby to acquire many skills.  He was fascinated with exploring and studying the land that he always called home. Learning at an early age from Uncle Floyd to harness, hitch, and work with horses, he took those skills to become talented in many different trades that a true Farmer/Rancher must possess.  During his teenage years he tended to his goat herd; buying, growing and selling the animals for profit. He was proud to be a member of the very first Ava High School football team in 1947.

Bud and LaVelle worked sun up to sun down with milk cows, raising hogs and feeder cows.  In the 1960s Bud transferred from dairy and hogs to strictly beef cattle.  He became a cattle buyer for dozens of farm families from Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. During these years they added additional land to the original family homestead to expand the beef cattle operation. Many of Andy's friends were "hired" to work on the farm, but everyone also played hard in the creek and partied in the barns.  Numerous horses and cattle dogs enjoyed a long life with butt kickin's and savory scraps.  Bud promised Lavelle he would build a house when he got the GI loan paid off.  Construction started in 1979 on LaVelle's custom designed home.  They moved in January 1980 during a blizzard just 50 yards across the road to the new home.  Bud loved hunting many animals such as quail, turkey, deer and even elk in Colorado. He also enjoyed fishing with friends as far north as Alaska and as south as Florida, but catfish in the Ozarks was a staple.  Many friends and relatives enjoyed fish frys at the shop to celebrate various events or just because.  Local gatherings for molasses makin' provided many opportunities for good food and fellowship.  Bud and Lavelle looked forward to visits from their two Granddaughters, who they spoiled when they spent their own weeks on the farm annually.  The girls remember learning to ride and saddle horses as well as burning sage grass in the early spring with Papa.  They successfully avoided ever having to go pick rock.  He was proud to see his great grandson enjoy the farm life during each visit.  In their later years, they rarely left the farm, but greatly enjoyed annual USS Ashtabula Reunions in various locations all across the US.  His mind was sharp with keen memories and stories till the end.  Bud was a walking historian with details that impressed even the locals.  He loved to spread his knowledge of many skills and trades with anyone who would listen and let him supervise. All of his friends and family take great delight in sharing the sayings that Bud used to let others know he loved and appreciated them, even though a few famous sayings may not be appropriate for all ages.  He was a member of Ava General Baptist Church and lifetime member of VFW Post 5993.

He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVelle, his parents, sisters Eleanor Royster and Julia Austin, and daughter in law Patti.  He will be greatly missed by his son Andy (Tammy) of Russellville, AR; granddaughter Holly of Russellville, AR; granddaughter Tami (Dave) and great grandson Oliver of Fayetteville, AR.  He loved his huge family of friends and neighbors.

Services will be held at Ava General Baptist Church on Saturday January 29 ^th , 2022 at 11 a.m. with full military honors by the Troy Herd American Legion Post 112 and U.S. Navy at the church. Visitation will be on Friday January 28th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava.  Burial will be Monday January 31 ^st at 11 a.m. at  Arno Cemetery.  Pastor Tim Reese will be officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Bud's behalf to Ava General Baptist Church or Arno Cemetery.