Lyal Warren Clabaugh

Lyal Warren Clabaugh passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, surrounded by his entire family.
Lyal leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, family, and friends, as nothing was more important to him.
Lyal's legacy started in the 5th grade when Alice Klosterbuer moved from country school to Kamrar Independent School, where he met his future bride for the very first time. By the 8th grade, Lyal and Alice had taken to each other and soon became devoted high school sweethearts. Lyal always knew that Alice was "the one."
Lyal graduated from Kamrar in 1958 and he and Alice were married July 14, 1962, beginning a beautiful marriage that lasted over 62 years. Lyal and Alice made Des Moines home where they spent their entire lives together.
Lyal received an Associate Degree in Accounting from the American Institute of Business. He then promptly joined the Army National Guard where he served for four years. Lyal spent the vast majority of his working career at Massey Ferguson, serving in various positions with his final position as Controller - Accounting Manager.
Lyal and Alice settled into "4405" in Urbandale in 1972, and it was from this beloved home where they raised their children and built a community of friends that would last for generations to come. Lyal and Alice are the proud parents of two extraordinary children, Susan and Mike, and devoted grandparents to Rachel, Anna, Izzy, Jay, and Dove.
The old saying of "you have children so you can have grandchildren" could not have been more accurate in describing Lyal and Alice's involvement with their grandchildren. Lyal was most grateful for his and Alice's ability to love and be an integral part of their grandchildren's lives. Lyal and Alice were always available at a moment's notice to care for their grandchildren, literally never saying "no" to whatever was asked.
One only needs to come into their home to see the love Lyal and Alice have for their entire family, as the mantle is simply surrounded by photos and memories.
Beyond family, Lyal and Alice devoted their entire social time to their network of friends both in Des Moines and The Lake of Ozarks, where they vacationed since the 80's. The only "vacation" that was remotely important to Lyal was spending time with Alice and their friends at "The Lake". The Lake of the Ozarks was truly their second home. Hearing the phrase "I'm in the lake!" (which was a constant "accident" by someone in their crew) will forever bring a smile to all of us who "know."
We know that Lyal and his buddies that passed before him are smiling from ear to ear in Heaven - remembering times of laughter and love for one another and their families that they literally shared together for decades.
The love of his family and friends would not have been possible if it were not for his deep faith in Christ. He and Alice have been 50 plus year members of Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Lyal is preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Eleanor, and his stepmother, Helen, who raised him along with his siblings Elmer, Charlotte (Munson), and Lee and his brother-in-law Maynard Klosterbuer. Lyal leaves behind a family that misses him dearly including his wife, Alice; his children Susan (Grant) and Mike (Chloe); and grandchildren Rachel (Zachary), Anna (Tommy), Izzy (Bowen), Jay (Kaitlin), and Dove.
A celebration of Lyal's life will be on April 23 at Westminster Presbyterian Church (4114 Allison Ave, Des Moines Iowa) at 11 AM. Burial with military honors will immediately follow at McDevitt Grove Cemetery (7001 Meredith Dr, Urbandale Iowa). A reception that Lyal would be proud of will begin immediately following at The BeerHouse (4810 NW 86 th Street, Urbandale, IA) where everyone is welcome to join in fellowship sharing their favorite stories of Lyal while we toast to his amazing life.
Lyal's celebration of life will be livestreamed on this page. The link will appear 10 minutes prior to the service beginning.
In lieu of flowers, Lyal requested that any memorials in his honor be made to his church - Westminster Foundation.
Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Lyal Clabaugh, please visit our Tribute Store.