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Clyde Bysom Obituary
Clyde Leon Bysom, 97, of Lawrence, passed away June 1 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was comforted in his final days by family, friends and hospital staff.
Clyde was born October 13, 1917, in Adrian, Mo., the youngest of four children of Walton and Edna Bysom. He married Pauline Moore in 1943, and they celebrated 69 years together before she passed away in 2012. Clyde is survived by daughter, Terri Bysom Stringer; three grandchildren, Chris Stringer, Stacy Stringer Walters and Brett Chalmers; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Pauline, Clyde was preceded in death by sisters, Ethel Isbell and Iona Chapman; and brother, Ralph Bysom.
A graduate of Lawrence High School and lifelong student at the University of Kansas, Clyde was an accomplished musician and bandleader, playing saxophone, clarinet and various other instruments while composing and arranging music. He performed in his first concert in 1929 at age 12 in South Park's gazebo with the Lawrence Boys' Band. As a junior at Lawrence High School, he began to organize combos and dance bands to play at KU and local events. He joined the KU Band in 1936.
During World War II, Clyde enlisted in the Army Air Forces and served as a corporal and B-29 Superfortress tail gunner in the 393rd Bombardment Squadron (509th Composite Group) under the command of Colonel Paul Tibbets Jr., pilot of the Enola Gay. While stationed on Tinian island in the Northern Marianas, Clyde found time for music as a member of the 509th Jazz Band and 313th Bombardment Wing Twentieth Air Force Band. After the war, he moved to Wichita and then back to Lawrence for good in 1949.
Joining bands—50 different groups according to Clyde's estimate—was his favorite pastime, becoming a charter member of the Lawrence City Band, KU Alumni Band, Olathe City Band and New Horizons Band. He spent decades playing with the Crimson and Blues Brothers Band, which evolved into the current Jazzhaus Big Band. Clyde also traveled with the River City Six and toured with Paul Gray's popular Gaslight Gang. Junkyard Jazz, a band Clyde helped get off the ground with the late John Weatherwax and others in 1981, was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2013.
To finance his passion for music, Clyde spent his early years working in manufacturing for the Westinghouse Jet Engine Division of Boeing Aircraft and General Motors. Later in his career he helped construct pipe organs for churches and concert halls at Reuter Organ Company, retiring after 25 years of service as supervisor of the console department. For more than 10 years into his late 80s, Clyde was an instrument repair technician at Hume Music.
In his last diary entry on May 15, Clyde wrote, "Ending my 85 years of blowing horns. I have had a great, long tenure though and am thankful for that."
The family will hold a private, graveside service in the coming weeks. A band concert, which will be open to the public, is being organized in Lawrence by friends and family to celebrate his life and rich contributions to the music community. The date is undecided, but the event likely will be held in late June or early July. An announcement will follow soon.
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Memories and Condolences
for Clyde Bysom
Hank and Betty Ann Sipple
June 19, 2015
We send our sincere deepest sympathies to Clyde's family. The Junkyard Jazz band will surely miss his wonderful voice and songs sung by him. We listened to him on thursday nights many times when we lived in Lawrence KS and he will be missed by one and all.
Tod Roberts
June 18, 2015
Clyde was generous in sharing his love of music with the community and fellow musicians, and he served his country with distinction in World War II. I am glad I met him during his journey in this life.
June 13, 2015
Charles Hoag and Mary Tuven
J.D. Parr
June 9, 2015
I have known Clyde for over 35 years, and he was one of the kindest, most thoughtful, warm, and caring gentlemen I have ever met. His playing was so inspiring, too, even as he grew into his 80s and beyond. His improvisations always sounded youthful, stylish, and he never missed a chord change in his life! He was loved and respected by everyone he touched.
How you can show support
Glee and Jerry Smith
June 8, 2015
To the Clyde Bysom family,
Glee and I started to KU in 1939 -- and we danced to Clyde's music. His name was magic on the campus! Since that time, we've heard Clyde play in numerous bands -- the Junk Yard Jazz -- was one of those. Clyde was a thoughtful and caring person. We remember visiting with him often at our church -- and we will always remember him as someone who contributed so much to others.
With special caring, Glee and Jerry Smith
marion roberts
June 8, 2015
Watching, hearing, talking with and sharing Lawrence City Band with Clyde are some of the most rewarding experiences of my life in music. He was a monument to all that can be the best in humans. Patriot, citizen, musician and a kind honorable man.
mary watts(reuter)
June 8, 2015
Terri, I so loved Clyde, I will always remember his music, and when my dad and he went to a Blood, Sweat, and Tears concert, because they so loved jazz, and I thought that was cool! I need to look you up on facebook!
Louis Jaimez
June 8, 2015
I was very fortuned to have a chance to jam with Mr. Clyde at the Jazz House many years ago. What a wonder man. Legends will live on. God bless.
Louis Jaimez
Mary Ann Adams
June 8, 2015
I loved music since age 3 but never knew how much fun it was til touring with Clyde Bysom & River City Six all over KS.
Thank you Clyde for a great ride. You will be missed & remembered by many.
Clair Keizer
June 8, 2015
My condolences to Terri and the family. Clyde was such a good person and a gentleman. I will always cherish the opportunity I had to know him and the joy he brought through his music and friendship.
Mike Ambrose
June 7, 2015
Clyde Bysom was a good man and a great musician who surely brought joy and happiness to uncounted numbers of people throughout his long life, through his music and his unfailing good cheer and love. We enjoyed hearing him play with the Junkyard Jazz band at the Legion and visiting with him at Brandon Woods with his small group. Condolences to his family and friends.
Peggy Hageman
June 7, 2015
My family and I were so very sorry to learn of Clyde's passing. I think we thought he would always be around playing his sax. We definitely plan to attend his memorial concert. The family of Joyce Glotzbach Green
Brick for Clyde Bysom at American Legion Dorsey-Liberty Post 14, Lawrence, KS
Helen Pendleton Rumbaut
June 7, 2015
My husband Mike Ambrose and I were saddened to hear of Clyde's passing. We saw him perform several times in Lawrence, Kansas, at The American Legion Post 14, and at nursing homes. He was one of the truly greats, and we will miss him. May his loved ones find the peace that only Jesus can give, which passes understanding. Philippians 4:7. God bless.
Bob Duffer
June 7, 2015
I am fortunate to have known and worked with Clyde. We all are. A true gentleman and great musician.
David Neely
June 7, 2015
It was a pleasure to have known him. He was a tremendous inspiration. An amazing man.
Cindy & Chuck (Jellison) Scholander
June 7, 2015
Our sincere thoughts and prayers for Terri and her family...may God hold you all in his loving hands and give you comfort...
Barb Wente-Linke
June 7, 2015
Terri and family, I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. What a wonderful man. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Pat Williams-Boyd
June 6, 2015
A beloved musician and friend. The music in heaven is just a little sweeter now.
Kathy von Ende
June 6, 2015
My thoughts, prayers, and love are with Terri and her family. Clyde and Pauly were dear friends.
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