Clyde “Gump” Mc Aninch, 84, of Indianola, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, surrounded by the life and memories he had built over the years.

Gump was one of those special people who never met a stranger. If you knew him, you knew his smile, his sense of humor, and his knack for making people feel welcome. He loved to joke around, loved to tinker, and was always happiest when he had something to work on with his hands. He was the kind of man who could fix just about anything, and if he couldn't fix it, he would probably take it apart and try anyway.

Gump found happiness in the simple things. He loved working in his garden, going fishing, caring for animals. He had a lifelong love for animals and especially enjoyed raising rabbits, at one time supplying them to stores on the south side of Des Moines. His compassion for animals was simply part of who he was.

He was also a gifted mechanic and a hardworking man. Gump spent many years as an employee of the United States Postal Service, building a life through determination, hard work, and perseverance.

His life was not always easy. After losing his father during World War II, Gump spent part of his childhood in foster care. Those early years brought hardships that no child should have to face. Yet Gump carried those experiences forward by becoming a man who cared deeply about other people. He knew what it meant to need kindness, and he gave that kindness freely. He was patient, protective, generous, and caring. He had a soft heart beneath his joking ways and was always willing to lend a hand or help someone who needed it.

Gump especially cherished his family and the people who became part of his life. He loved seeing the people he cared about and was genuinely happy when they came to visit. His family will remember not only the things he did for them, but the feeling of being loved and cared for by him. They will remember his jokes, his stories, his willingness to help, the projects he was always working on, and that familiar smile when he saw someone he loved.

Clyde is survived by his loving companion, Barbara Ballwahn; children, Teresa (Marvin) Pollock, Kerry (Steve) Gillman, Tanya (Chris) Smith; step-daughter, Ronda Ballwahn; step-son, David (Beth) Williams; grandchildren, Megan (Dean) Alley, Alaina Fry, Tyler (Yvette) Gillman, Cody Gillman, Zachary Smith, Joshua (Victoria) Smith, Jacob Smith, Jesse Krause, DJ Williams; great-grandchildren, Payton, Jamie, Austin, Bentlee, Ryker, Rosalyn, Brycen; and many other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary; step-son, David Ballwahn; parents, Irene Ritter and Clyde Mc Aninch; brother, Dale Mc Aninch.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary; step-son, David Ballwahn; parents, Irene Ritter and Clyde Mc Aninch; brother, Dale Mc Aninch.

Though Gump is no longer here to tell a joke, lend a helping hand, work on a project, tend his garden, or simply greet someone with a smile, the mark he left on the people who loved him will remain. His life was a testament to resilience, kindness, hard work, and finding joy in the everyday moments. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew him.

Services for Clyde “Gump” Mc Aninch, will be held 3 p.m., Saturday, September 12 at the Lighthouse Community Church, 7705 Indianola, Ave, Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held 1:30 to 3 p.m. prior to service. Cremation will follow services. Memorials in memory of Gump can be made to the Kiya Koda Humane Society in Indianola.