Clyde Elmo Israel

Clyde Israel began and ended his life in Amarillo, Texas, as a proud Christian and Sandie who dedicated his life to making the world a better place.

Clyde peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord at age 93 on October 7.

Playing and watching team sports was a passion for Clyde. He took pride in his high school athletic career, playing baseball and football for Amarillo High, and was the first person from Amarillo selected to play on the All-State baseball team. He graduated from high school in 1950. Clyde then studied engineering at Oklahoma A&M, now known as Oklahoma State University. In 1954 he earned a B.S. in civil engineering. Upon graduation, the U.S. Army commissioned Clyde as a Second Lieutenant. Clyde proudly served his country in Germany and explored the major cities in Europe on days off during his enlistment. After his deployment he remained in the U.S. Army Reserve Corps of Engineers for many years.

While attending his 10-year high school reunion, Clyde connected with a former classmate, JoNell Myers. The two started dating and got married on January 21, 1961. They had two daughters, Elaine Kay and Linda Gayle.

Clyde was involved in the development of Amarillo and the greater West Texas area during his career with the Texas Highway Department. Anyone who has driven in northwest Texas has driven over the many roads and bridges Clyde helped to construct. To avoid a move out of Amarillo, Clyde left the highway department for a time, but, to the delight of his wife, he later returned to the steady pay and good insurance at the Highway Department, finally retiring in 1993. Around 1974, Clyde joined forces with Bill Thomas to form Thomas & Israel, an engineering and surveying business where he worked into his 80's.

Guided by unwavering faith, Clyde dedicated much of his time to the church. He was a long-time member of West Amarillo Christian Church where he served in many roles through the years, including in its transition to become Redeemer Christian Church. Near the finality of Clyde’s life, he personally called many remaining colleagues, friends and family to thank them for their impact on his life and to chat about stories of their past. Clyde was a pillar in the community and held multiple volunteer roles. He was a deacon, an elder and a fundraiser at church. He was a member of the Bible Chair of the Southwest, and he was a director of the Mary E. Bivins Foundation. He loved to play golf, talk to people, and pet his dog or any dog.

Clyde is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, JoNell Israel.

Clyde is survived by his only sister, Ethel Israel Robinson, his two daughters: Dr. Elaine Miller (Rick Miller) and Linda McMahan (John Sutter), 6 grandchildren, 2 grand dogs, 12 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren; multiple nieces and a small herd of Nanny goats. Clyde enjoyed the company of his special friend Joyce Nelson, and they appreciated most sports, banana splits and eating out.

A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Christian Church, 3701 Soncy, in Amarillo, Texas on Saturday, November 1st at 3pm. Visitation with family will be immediately prior to the service. A celebration of the life of Clyde Israel will be held at Hoffbrau Steak & Grill House, 7203 W Interstate Hwy 40, Amarillo, TX 79106 following the memorial.

We would like to extend a special thanks to Brookdale Assisted living staff for the love and kindness with which they cared for Clyde. We would also like to express appreciation to Accentcare Home Health for all of the therapy and nursing services through the last decade or so after numerous visits to the ER, hospital, and rehabilitation. And finally thank you to Five Points Nursing and Rehabilitation staff and Gentiva Hospice staff for the care at the very end of Clyde’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Redeemer Christian Church, 3701 Soncy, Amarillo, TX 79119, or a charity of your choosing.