Clyde Dean Woolbright

Clyde was the devoted husband of Bettina (nee Malolepszy) Woolbright; father of Heather (Cuyler) Stone, Ryan (Rebecca) Woolbright, and John (Mary) Woolbright; grandfather of Ruthanne Elisabeth, Paul Carson, William Dean, and Mae Catherine; dear brother of John (Christine) Woolbright. Clyde was preceded in death by his Mother Flora Jane Woolbright, and his sister Linda Kay (Bob) Rodgers.

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we share the passing of Clyde Dean Woolbright.

Clyde was a fiercely devoted and proud husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and son who would do anything for his family. If something needed to get done for the people he loved, he made it happen.

He adored his Bettina, and this August they would have celebrated 45 years of marriage. Their life together, and the family they raised, was the foundation of everything he was most proud of.

Born and raised on Peabody Court and the Tower Grove neighborhood, Clyde came from humble beginnings. He didn’t have much growing up, but he had his big brother, John, someone he admired deeply and worked hard to emulate. That desire to make him proud shaped the way he lived, worked, and showed up for his own family.

Clyde carved his own path through grit, personality, and determination, creating a life we were all proud of. He made sure his children had opportunities he never did, prioritizing education and possibility for them above all else.

From his early days playing baseball on the Chouteau Bombers, to proudly serving in the United States Army as a tanker in the 8th Infantry Division, raising his family and forming lasting connections in Dogtown, Clyde loved his life and lived it without regret.

Everyone felt they could talk to Clyde, and they did, often holding court on sports, but just as easily diving into almost any topic, always ready with a story. He loved telling stories and was armed with an endless supply of useless information that somehow made every conversation better and every gathering more interesting.

It didn’t matter if you had known him for years or had just met, Clyde made you feel like you belonged. He was quick to listen, generous, and always willing to show up if someone was in need. The trust and respect Clyde gave to, and received from his family and friends matched no other.

Clyde leaves behind family and friends who were lucky to call him their own. We will miss him tremendously and, with gratitude, hope, and the same determination he lived with, continue to show up in ways that would make him proud. He was loved by so many and will not be forgotten. His stories, his humor, and his loyalty leave a mark that will last.

We will be celebrating Clyde’s life on Saturday February 21 from noon to 4pm at Seamus McDaniel’s Restaurant, 1208 Tamm Avenue, St Louis Missouri 63139. Please join us.

Private services at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery will follow at a later date.

Please leave your favorite memory or story for the family to enjoy in the condolences section of this website. Those tidbits of memories will bring us so much joy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clyde’s name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Please visit their website at t2t.org