Shad Ray Clymer

Shad Ray Clymer, 58, of Colby, Kan., went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 1, 2026, after a courageous five-and-a-half-year battle with glioblastoma (GBM).

He was born Oct. 23, 1967, in Greeley, Colo., to Billy Ray and Pamla Annette (Browning) Clymer. He was raised in northeastern Colorado, growing up in Briggsdale, where he developed a strong work ethic, a love for animals and a deep sense of community.

He married his high school sweetheart, Tamara Clymer, on Sept. 16, 1989, in Bellvue, Colo., beginning a lifelong loving partnership rooted in faith, commitment and deep friendship.

Following high school, Shad pursued his passion for animals and earned a degree in veterinary technology from Colorado Mountain College in 1988. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1994 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2000 from Kansas State University.

Shad was a dedicated mixed animal veterinarian who cared for his patients and their owners with compassion and skill. He practiced in George and Sibley, Iowa; Atchison, Kan.; and Laramie, Wyo. In 2012, he accepted a position as a veterinary technology instructor at Colby Community College, where he invested in the lives of his students, mentoring and preparing the next generation of veterinary professionals. He also provided relief work for area veterinarians.

He found joy in the simple things — riding motorcycles, listening to classic rock, enjoying good Kansas City-style barbecue and cheering on Kansas State athletics, especially football.

Shad will be remembered most for his quiet strength, steady presence and his incredible sense of humor. In the face of his battle with GBM, he lived with grace, perseverance and an unwavering faith. He approached each day with determination, setting an example for his children of how to endure with dignity, find joy in hardship and trust God in every season.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Shawn and Todd Clymer; and his father-in-law, Kenneth Krise.

He is survived by his wife, Tamara, of Colby; children, Quinton Clymer of Parker, Colo.; Mackedzie (Austin) Edris of El Paso, Texas; and Jacson and Eliana Clymer of Colby; his brother, Lucas Clymer (Shannon Allan) of Cheyenne, Wyo.; his aunts, Evelyn Mathis and June Carolus, both of Greeley; his mother-in-law, Joyce Krise of Briggsdale; his brothers-in-law, Leonard (Valerie) and Scott (Heidi) Krise, all of Briggsdale; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Shad’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. (Central) Monday, May 11, 2026, at Celebration Community Church in Colby, Kan. with visitation one hour prior to the service. A burial service will be held at 1 p.m. (Mountain) Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Briggsdale Cemetery in Briggsdale, Colo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Shad Clymer Memorial Scholarship at Colby Community College and mailed to Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com