Lloyd E. Clarkson, 85, of Winfield, Kansas passed away Sunday morning, March 18, 2012 at William Newton Hospital in Winfield, Kansas.

Born February 5, 1927, in Kirksville, Missouri, he was the son of Bert and Blanche (Rigdon) Clarkson. He was raised and received his education in Kirksville graduating from Kirksville High School in 1944. In 1945 he joined the United States Army and proudly served his country in World War II. After his honorable discharge from the service he returned to Kirksville.

Lloyd was united in marriage to Carmelita Kirk on August 30, 1947 in Kirksville, Missouri. The couple made their first home on a farm outside of Kirksville. In 1959 they moved to a farm north of Winfield where Lloyd continued to farm and ranch for over 45 years. In 2007 he retired from farming and he and Carmelita moved to town.

He was a member of the American Legion, the Cowley County Hereford Association, the American Gelbvieh Association, and the Cowley County Fair Association. In his younger years he showed Polled Herefords, and has judged cattle all over the United States. Lloyd was a delegate to the World Hereford Conference, Chairman of Kansas Polled Hereford Association, Chairman of American Polled Hereford Association, and an active 4H leader. He was inducted into the American Polled Hereford Hall of Fame.

His family includes:
His wife: Carmelita Clarkson of the home;
His grandchildren: Bradley Clarkson of Stillwater, OK; Misti Baker and husband, Steven of Winfield; and
His great-grandchildren: Kaylleigh Baker; Wade Baker; Aspen Clarkson.

In addition to his parents Lloyd was preceded in death by his son, Floyd Clarkson and his daughter, Jean Clarkson-Frisbie.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 23, 2012 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 4 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 5 to 7 that evening.

Memorials have been established in Mr. Clarkson's name for the Cowley County 4-H Club and the Floyd Clarkson Scholarship for Criminal Justice Fund at Cowley County Community College. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.