Clyde Earl VanSickle was born September 14, 1936 in Morris, Oklahoma. He was called to heaven on June 4, 2026 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born to Ralph and Opal VanSickle, he stood out with his red hair and was nicknamed "Butch". His brother Bill was born when Clyde was four.

All of his school years were in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He enjoyed reading and telling stories to his class. He received the Outstanding Latin Student Award at Okmulgee High School and was named Boy of the Year in 1954. He attended Northeastern A & M, Miami, OK, on a football scholarship. Clyde earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1959.

Okmulgee was also important because this is where he met Barbara Heatherly. Barbara was visiting her grandmother. They married on October 15, 1960. They shared a loving marriage of almost 66 years. Their first daughter, Beth, was born when they lived in Sweetwater, TX. Jane was born three years later in Tulsa.

His first job after college allowed him to purchase his prized 1956 Thunderbird. It was part of their courtship and the family until a bigger car was needed for a family of three.

Clyde had a strong work ethic from his youth. Until the end of his life, he would share stories of his paper route as a boy. He was a great provider for his family during his career in aeronautics. His work as a liaison engineer included the companies U. S. Gypsum, McDonnell-Douglas (later Boeing) and Nordam. He served as an officer for the Southern California Professional Engineering Association. He retired in 1991.

Clyde accepted Jesus as his savior at a young age. Later, he led his own father to become a Christian. He was a faithful member of Eastwood Baptist Church for over 60 years. He taught an 8th grade boys Sunday School class and attended church faithfully as he was physically able. He was faithful and generous in giving.

In younger years, Clyde enjoyed playing football with neighborhood kids and softball with church leagues. He enjoyed crow hunting at Ft. Cobb and fishing later in life.

Clyde made friends easily and kept friends for life. He was proud to attend high school reunions throughout the years.

Special travel memories include an Alaskan cruise and trips to Canada and Washington D.C. Clyde loved to travel on trains.

His loving family includes his wife Barbara, daughters Beth (Lee) Keener of Claremore, Jane (Brent) Samford of Rowlett, TX. Grandchildren Ben (Brandi) Keener, Joe Keener, Lillie Keener and Madeline Samford. Great-grandchildren Kaitlin and Jesse Beck, Logan and Olivia Keener.