Calvin W. McClung

Calvin Whitney McClung, 83, died early Saturday morning, December 17, 2022, surrounded by loving family at the Sedgwick County Hospital in Julesburg, Colorado. Calvin was born on February 9, 1939, in Sterling, Colorado to Daniel McClung and Lola (Whitney) McClung. He was a lifelong member of the Big Springs community, he farmed and ranched in Deuel, Keith, Garden, and Perkins counties in Nebraska and Sedgwick County in Colorado.

He received his education at Big Springs and graduated from Big Springs High School in the class of 1956 and then attended Nebraska Wesleyan University. 

On October 29, 1961, he married Carol Kay Forell of Lodgepole, Nebraska and they had 3 children; Steven, Michael and DeAnn. 
Calvin and Kay built their home in the Northeast corner of Colorado, south of Big Springs.

Calvin had a very hardworking nature, a love for animals of all kinds and was a steadfast steward of his agricultural lands, continuing to farm his third-generation land, making farming his perfect career. Calvin took pride in his self-reliance and was amazingly innovative and creative. He had a gift for welding, this skill served him well, guiding him as he made or modified much of his own machinery. 

Among his most rewarding accomplishments was raising sugar beets and he received both the Top Ten and High Ten awards consistently during his agricultural career. Calvin was proud that he was one of the few Western growers that was awarded the full silver Tea Service set. 

From his youngest years, Calvin loved spending his time outdoors, and raised ducks, quails and chickens. He especially loved fishing and hunting. He always dressed what he shot and regularly donated dressed meat to local families. Calvin respected the outdoors and was mindful of the environment, serving as a board member of the South Platte Nebraska Resources District (NRD).
When Calvin wasn’t working, you could find him teaching or attending Sunday School and Bible study. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church for 73 years. Calvin loved music, especially hymns and sang in the church choir. 

Calvin’s love of God and unfaltering Christian faith was especially evident during the Easter and Christmas seasons. His family could always rely on him to remind them of the reason for each season and he loved to liven up the holidays with humor and stories from the past.

In the community, Calvin will be remembered for his big heart, moral steadfastness and his caring and loving nature. He valued his rural community and supported the Big Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Big Springs Veteran’s Memorial and Big Springs Community Foundation. 

Proceeding Calvin in death was his wife, Carol Kay (Forell) McClung, parents Daniel and Lola McClung, brother-in-law Bernard Sorensen and nephew Douglas Sorensen.
Survivors include two sons Steven (Kristi) and Michael (Deborah) of rural Big Springs, NE., one daughter DeAnn (Jeff) Beck of rural Elwood, NE. Additional survivors include grandchildren Kailin McClung and Stephanie McClung both of Lincoln, Timothy McClung of Winner, SD, Matthew McClung of North Platte, Marissa McClung of Elwood and sister Cathryn Sorensen of Big Springs, niece Karma (Bob) Olson of Mesa, AZ and nephew Kyle (Tammy) Sorenson of Big Springs.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 22, 2022 from 1 to 5 pm at the Draucker Funeral Home in Ogallala, NE. 

Funeral Services have been changed to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 24, 2022 from the United Methodist Church in Big Springs, NE. Pastor Jacob Keega will be officiating.

Services will be live streamed at www.drauckerfh.com. Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com by clicking the share a memory button.

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.