Nyal Clinton
May 23, 1944-August 11, 2019
Nyal Clinton, 75, of Strawberry Point, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 11, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Nyal Richard, son of Vernon and Ruth (Baars) Clinton, was born on May 23, 1944, in Littleport, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church in Littleport.
Nyal attended school in Littleport and graduated from Central in Elkader in 1962. He then joined the United States Navy in June 1962. He served two tours of duty in Viet Nam and also served on the USS Kitty Hawk. Nyal earned several awards while serving his country – which he was proud to serve. He was presented a quilt at a Quilt of Valor Ceremony in August of 2017. Nyal was honorably discharged from active duty June 5, 1968.
Following his discharge, Nyal started working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Cedar Rapids for a short time, then moved to Des Moines where he worked until his retirement in 1991. Shortly after he retired, he moved to Strawberry Point, where he enjoyed taking care of his home, lawn and flowers. Collecting coins was a hobby that he enjoyed. He also loved operating his son Michael’s car wash. Spending time with his son Richard, working on the racecar and going to races was also special to him. Nyal liked socializing with family and friends. Due to declining health as a result of cancer and its complications, he resided in various care centers and was residing in Grandview Health Center in Oelwein at the time of his death.
Nyal married Barbara Hawkins and they later divorced. To this union three children were born, Richard (Lisa) Clinton of Elkader, Michael Clinton of Strawberry Point and Karen (Lyle) Davis of Des Moines.
In addition to his three children, Nyal is survived by five grandchildren, Dustin (Amber), Dylan (Ashley Callahan), Lexi, Destiny and Donavon; two great-grandchildren, Sadie and Lennox Lorraine Clinton; four brothers, Roland (Marguerite) Clinton of McGregor, Sheldon (BJ) Clinton of Elkader, Dennis (Rhonda) Clinton of Spokane, WA, DeVere (Ellen) Clinton of Elkader; one sister, Shirley ((Harlan) Meyer of Guttenberg; one uncle, Delbert (Elaine) Baars) of El Mirage, AZ; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Nyal was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Ruth; two siblings in infancy, Donna Ruth and Kent Jon; grandparents, William and Annie Clinton, Henry and Katherine Baars; Aunt Carrie Gottschalk and nephew, Jeffrey Clinton.
Nyal was loved and will be missed by many.
A visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, August 16, 2019, at the funeral home and after 10 at the church on Saturday. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 17, at Peace United Church of Christ, Elkader with Rev. Jon Haack officiating. Interment with Military Honors was Saturday, August 17, at Hillcrest Cemetery, Volga.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com
