Clyde Benjamin Undernehr

Clyde Benjamin Undernehr, 78, of Garfield, Arkansas, passed away on July 17, 2026. He was born on December 8, 1947, in Garfield, where he spent nearly his entire life. Deeply loved by those who knew him, Clyde will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his faith, and the pride he took in an honest day’s work.

From an early age, Clyde learned the value of perseverance and hard work. At just six years old, he walked about a mile to a neighbor’s house to meet a little girl, and together they walked another two miles to catch the school bus into Garfield. He grew up in a modest four-room home with an outhouse that his parents, George and Esther, built. Alongside his sister, Bonnie, and brother, Floyd, Clyde learned to make the most of what they had. That same home, later remodeled, remained close to his heart, and he was living there at the time of his passing. As a child, he received just one pair of shoes each year and certainly got his money’s worth out of them, often walking all the way to Rogers. Those early experiences shaped the strong work ethic, resilience, and determination that defined his life.

Clyde proudly served his country in the United States Army as both a medic and radio operator. Throughout his working years, he held a variety of jobs, including driving a chicken truck and working in factories, before beginning a respected 23-year career as a long-haul truck driver. He drove for Willis Shaw, Hudson Foods, and Tyson Foods, earning Safe Driver of the Year honors in 1982—a reflection of the care, discipline, and responsibility he brought to every mile.

In 1974, Clyde gave his life to Jesus Christ and remained steadfast in his faith for the rest of his life. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church and found joy in life’s simple pleasures: fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, and gathering with family for cookouts. He loved to laugh, tell stories, and create memories that his family will treasure forever.

Clyde’s sense of humor was as memorable as his kindness. Family still laughs about the time Linda was out of town and he decided to make tuna salad sandwiches—only to discover there was no tuna, so he substituted salmon instead, creating what became known as the “crunchiest sandwiches ever.” Another family favorite was the day his “potato soup” turned out to be little more than onions floating in broth because he had forgotten the potatoes. He was always a willing participant when his daughters wanted to play beauty shop, happily sitting still while they curled what little hair he had and decorated it with barrettes and bows.

One of Clyde’s favorite holiday traditions was making popcorn balls for the family. Some of his most treasured years were spent traveling the country alongside Linda as they drove the truck together, building not only a career but a life rooted in partnership, hard work, and love. His family also fondly recalls the day he missed the school bus after being sprayed by a skunk while checking traps. Later, convinced his son, James, to take Linda’s car to have “the cobwebs blown out of it,” they took it for a spirited drive—only for it to never start again once they returned home.

Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, George and Esther Undernehr, and his siblings, Floyd Undernehr and Bonnie Haycock.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Undernehr; his children, Latricia Hylton and husband Tim, Cynthia Johnson and husband Bryan, and James Undernehr and wife Gina; his grandchildren, Kyle Sands and wife Rasha, Taylor Undernehr and fiancée Sara Russell, Keagan Sands and wife Ashlee, Brandi Herring and husband Britain, Kinae Gibson and husband Shawn, Byron Rudman and wife Sara, and Bridget Caldwell and husband Gage; and 16 cherished great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nephew, Mike Haycock and partner Chris Bailey, Neal Undernehr, along with many dear friends who became family.

Though Clyde’s life was marked by hard work and perseverance, it was his love for God, his devotion to his family, and his ability to find joy and laughter in everyday moments that will be remembered most. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply and in the countless memories they will carry with them always.