Clyde Duaine Autrey, 95, of Sanderson, TX, passed away peacefully on Aug 13th, 2026, at his Ranch in Sanderson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Aug 29th, 2026, from 3pm-6pm, at the American Legion Hall, Post 160 in Sanderson.

Clyde was born in Modesto, CA, to Thomas Autrey and Mary “Amanda” Autrey (Cherry) on June 25th, 1931.

He married Mavor Etta Smith in West Palm Beach, FL on Aug 20th, 1956.

He went to school at Modesto Central High.

Later graduated from Tactical Air Command NCO Prepatory School and served 20 years as a firefighter in the US Air Force. Clyde was awarded several Solo Flight Certificates during his tenure.

Post Honorable Discharge as SSGT from the US Air Force he spent many more years with the Civil Service.

Clyde loved nature and enjoyed the great outdoors in West Texas. Hobbies included tending to his goats, quail and his beloved horses Apples, Baby and April. He was also an antique gun enthusiast and relished loading his own shells. Clyde was an avid reader, and it is safe to say that he had read every book at the local library, a couple times over. He would also like to claim he was a good “backyard mechanic “.

Clyde was a highly active member of the American Legion Hall, Post 160.

Clyde is survived by his four children: Cheryl Rene Birgholtz, Debra Ann Moody, Clyde Duaine Autrey Jr (Lara) and Dean Edward Autrey (Sherry); 10 grandchildren: Michael Shayne Autrey (Desiree), Mathew S Mason (Deborah), Elizabeth Dawn Lewis, Nicole Mavor Anderson (Glenn), Heather Laverne Autrey Litteral, Chadwick Brown, Brittany Tangeman, Kimberly Johnson Ahmad-Khan(Robert) and William Johnson; and too many great grandchildren to mention.

Preceded in death by his parents, wife, and three brothers: Jim, Clarence, and Tom Autrey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Hall, Post 160.

Clyde’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to his great granddaughter Brianna (Jose) Rivera for making his 95th birthday so special. They would also like to express thanks for the support provided by the Veterans Administration, Live Well Home Care, and especially, family friends, Jose and Nathaniel Fuentes in enabling Clyde to live out his last days, at his beloved ranch, with peace and dignity.