Clarence "C.J." Chleborad

Clarence Justin Chleborad, 96, of Atwood, Kansas, died Thursday August 14, 2025, at his home. He was born to Henry and Mary (Horinek) Chleborad of Atwood and grew up on his family farm south of town. He graduated from Atwood High School in 1948. Clarence grew up with five sisters. Everyone felt so sorry for him as they thought he would get "picked on". But that wasn't the case! Clarence was the second oldest child, so he was in charge. He was the "kingpin" and us girls just followed his lead. He came up with some very funny, crazy and sometimes dangerous things to do (some things mom put a stop to). But all in all, we survived and had a great time growing up together.

Clarence and three of his sisters went to country school (a one room schoolhouse) and drove a horse and buggy to school. At times he would race to the schoolhouse with the neighbor kids. With Clarence at the reins, his sisters had to hang on for dear life or get bucked out of the wagon. As a young boy, he helped dad with farming the ground and looking after the cattle — going out in the Kansas blizzards to make sure the cattle were safe or driving them to the barnyard/barn. He learned a lot growing up on the farm and along with that, self-discipline. After all the shenanigans He pulled off, he was and will always be "Our Favorite Brother". I truly believe that all the hard work and grooming he gained on the farm prepared him for a long and prosperous life. ~ Shared by Sister Mary Russell ~

After High School Clarence started raising his own herd of cattle. He was drafted in 1951. He served with the U.S. Army 40th Infantry. After 16 weeks of basic training at Fort Riley and a quick leave in Atwood, he left on a troop ship from San Francisco bound for Korea. Clarence said "He wouldn't want to do it again" - But the experience made him stronger and more mature, as he learned to work with and handle all kinds of people. Clarence was hit by shrapnel, but he wasn't wounded. The time came for them to come home, the squadron was waiting at Inchon, Korea for a troop ship to take them home. After a short stay at Camp Carson, Colorado. Clarence was able to visit home in Atwood, then left for Atterbury, Indiana. While stationed there he was a weapon instructor and a member of the 5th Army's elite weapon inspection team. Clarence was offered a raise in rank to Master Sergent and a good boost in pay to re-enlist, but he was ready to come home and farm.

Clarence was brought up in the old-fashioned traditions. He went to church with his family and only came to town to do the trading. He went to high school, driving a 1929 Dodge and was home by 4:30 to go to work at whatever needed to be done. He had started a cattle herd before he left home for the Army. He returned to the land and feeding cattle for many years and was quite successful when a whole new adventure arrived. He met Valerie when they shared an avocado in a wheat field, "He chuckled with a laugh." Valerie, who grew up in San Diego was visiting in Oklahoma and decided to help her cousins who were custom harvesters. She was offered a position as truck driver for the crew. That's how she ended up in Clarence's wheat field. They were both mutually smitten, and we were married the next April.

They loved working on the farm together, most of their best times were fixing fence, hunting, caring for the cow/calf operation going to cattle sales together, mowing and raising prairie chickens and quail and they loved sitting in their backyard at night. Clarence was a true caretaker of the land, crops and cattle. He was also a horseman and enjoyed deer hunting and traveling all over the United States.

They eventually moved to Atwood and were excited about this turn in the road. For many years now Scott and Deb Urban, Bud McCain and Cody Green have farmed the land for them just as Clarence always would have done. And Clarence's nephew, Donnie Frazier and his wife, Diana, have also come out for many years to help with harvest and whatever else needed to be done. Clarence was also very proud to be a member of the American Legion Post 46 Department of Kansas for 60 plus years and was a contributor to the programs of the American Legion. He also loved his town and always did his best for the community.

I am so proud of him and humbled that I have known and loved such a wonderful man all these years. "I love you Honey xoxoxo... We will see you again!"-Valerie

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Rosie (Al) George, Vivian (Bob) Feagan, Viola (Jerome) Janousek and Elizabeth (Frank) Pochop.

He is survived by his wife Valerie; sister Mary Yvonne Russell and nieces and nephews, Alfred George, Henry George, Colleen Smith, Zita Mason, Douglas Janousek, Natalia Seiber, Cynthia Helmick, Anthony Pochop, Gerard Pochop, Becky Lundquist, Kevin Pochop, Michael Pochop, Donnie Frazier and Wendy Frazier.

Private family burial took place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atwood. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by lunch and fellowship until 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Atwood American Legion. Memorials may be made to the Atwood FFA and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com

Some excerpts were taken from Rosalie Ross's article "Remembering Our Veterans"