From the Heart

A good man, a Godly man

I’ve occasionally wondered if it’s possible to accomplish anything in life without making enemies along the way. I’ve only met one person who seems to have mastered that feat, and he was buried Monday.

Clayton Linn was 94 when he died last week. He was born in 1915, and was one of the last members of the Kimball class of 1934. He joined the Navy (AIR CORPS?) at age 26, and instantly fell into a leadership role there. He was Postmaster for 32 years. He helped start Junior Legion Baseball in Kimball. He raised prize-winning chickens, and always had an ample garden. He raised five children in Kimball. He’s what you might call a “pillar” in the community.

In recent years, the sharpness of Clayton’s mind has diminished. His body had become frail. Yet nearly every day I’d see him out for a ride with his wife Mabel, usually going to fetch the mail each morning. Always looking content and agreeable. His memories may have faded, but there was something strangely comforting, grounding even, spotting him around town.

Of course, the one place each year you could be sure to see Clayton is at the Memorial Day service held at Kimball Elementary each year. Always standing tall and proud in his dress uniform. Always accompanied by wife Mabel. No matter what other parts of his life had blurred, he seemed to be clear on the purpose of the day each Memorial Day.

It seems illogical that one could accomplish even half as much as Clayton did without un-friending at least one or two along the way. But it seems that Clayton led a charmed existence that way.

Actually, “blessed” is the more accurate word.

I don’t like attending funerals because they seem so final. And often sad. I usually get hit with a wave of incredible sadness at some point during a funeral, no matter whose, and end up crying uncontrollably. But Clayton’s funeral was different. It truly was a celebration of a good man who led a good life raising a good family. A Godly man who led a Godly life raising a Godly family.

The first evidence of this is the abundance of loving family. Then the overabundance of photographs throughout Clayton’s life: a handsome young man in military uniform, a handsome young couple, an older man being jumped on by grandchildren, lots of “action shots” with various family members, and of course Clayton with his chickens. My favorite was the photo of Clayton and Mabel in medieval costumes with, I’m guessing, three grandchildren. He had a full and rich and fun life. And a blessed one.

Be sure to watch next week’s Tri-County News for a bit more about Clayton Linn. Somehow, his life warrants more than just an obituary in the paper.

Watch next week, too, for information on the Nov. 3 election. Voters in the Kimball school district will select three members of the school board (from among four candidates) and will be asked to increase operational funds (property taxes) for the Kimbal schools. There is already information available on the school’s Web site
A public meeting was held Monday night at the school, and 14 people attended (besides the board and superintendent). Several suggestions were raised, many of which have already been discussed at length by the board. Learn the issues, and vote Nov. 3. There is no substitute for participation here.