Clyde L. Heldenbrand
Clyde L. Heldenbrand was born on January 25, 1933 in Winston, MO to Allan and Fleta Heldenbrand and died December 16, 2009. Clyde is survived by his wife Shirley of the home, a brother, Charles, of Nixa, 3 daughters, one son, 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Clyde was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Larry.
Clyde entered the United States Air Force in May 1952. He received basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. In February 1953 he was sent to Rapid City, South Dakota. While in the military, Clyde served as a Supply Sergeant and attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. He served in Thailand and Hawaii. He was later transferred to Ohio, his final assignment before retirement. Clyde's military career spanned 20 years. After his son was involved in an automobile accident, Clyde worked in the oil fields, construction and on the railroad in Texas. While there, he learned to make balloon animals for the children at his church. This was the beginning of his ministry. He said God told him he'd have an unusual ministry and he did; with a motorcycle, miniature horse trailer, a Sicilian Donkey and the rest is history. Their daughter is now riding her father's motorcycle and pulling the donkey around in the trailer.
On a personal note from Dr. Rita:
I received a call from Clyde and he asked if the “Our House” foundation would like him to entertain the children at one of our "Bikers for the Brave" fund-raisers. Of course he was an immediate hit with all of the children at these events and, their parents. Everyone loved him and his miniature donkeys. If the truth be known, the "Our House" foundation volunteers watched for him to drive up on his motorcycle with the donkeys in tow and rush over to see them.
After that very first time, he always seemed to have his ear to the ground and know if we were going to have a fundraiser. If we heard children laughing and screaming with delight, we would look for Clyde and his Donkeys. Clyde believed in what we were doing and offered to share with the "Our House" Foundation what money his ministry brought in for that day. We cherished his thoughtfulness.
Clyde, his funny / sad face, reminiscent of Emmett Kelly, is sorely missed by all of us here at the "Our House" foundation. Shirley, Clyde’s wife, still remains active and vibrant as she maintains her Presidency of the Ladies Auxiliary at the VFW Post 7628 in Ozark, MO. And, when the VFW Post serves breakfast on Saturday mornings, she still swings a mean ladle!