Clyde, Charles “Charlie”

Published Mar 5, 2026 11:11 am : Updated Mar 6, 2026 10:09 am

In Memory of Charles “Charlie” Whitman Clyde

Our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Charles Whitman Clyde, of Sonora, California, passed away on March 1, 2026, at the age of 94. Charlie was born in Big Piney, Wyoming on January 16, 1932. He lost his mother two weeks later and was raised in the café, dance hall, and bar that his father owned.

At 10 years old, Charlie was working as a cowboy and by age 16 he was working in construction while finishing high school. He graduated from the University of Wyoming in Vocational Education. While there, he met Araminta Willis, and they shared 67 years together and had three children: Molly, Charlie, and Kerry.

Charlie worked as an Engineer at the Wyoming Highway Department until they moved to California, and he completed his MA in Industrial Technology at San Jose State University. He found his calling as a teacher, working at Sonora High School and Columbia College, where he taught for more than 30 years. “Mr. Clyde” was a beloved mentor. He took great joy and pride in his students’ successes, during and after high school.

Charlie loved the outdoors and some of his favorite memories are fishing and camping trips with his friends and family. He also loved landscaping, gardening, and painting. Charlie was deeply connected to his community and rarely missed a local game or a chance to support the Wildcats or Claim Jumpers.

Charlie will be remembered as a loyal friend and a loving husband and father. He was known for his strong work ethic, love for learning, and his great sense of humor. He never missed an opportunity to dance with his wife, who he lost in 2024. We know they are dancing together once again.

Our parents’ lives were blessed by incredibly kind and supportive friends who we cherish. As their children, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to their many caretakers, most especially, Kim Hinman and Nancy Rodgers, who have been with us for many years. Their tenderness, patience and devotion provided a peace that words cannot fully express as our parents were treated with dignity and love until the very end.

Charlie is survived by his children, Molly (Kevin) Darrow, Charles Clyde, Kerry Taylor, 5 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

We will celebrate his life on Saturday, April 18, at 2:00 pm at the Sonora Elks Lodge, 100 Elks Drive in Sonora, California.