Joy H. Cloud passed away unexpectedly on October 7th in Alliance, Nebraska at the age of 71. Joy was born at Memorial Hospital in Sidney, Nebraska on June 20, 1950. He was the youngest of seven children. He attended East Ward Elementary School and Sidney Jr. and Sr. High Schools. While in high school, he was active in VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) promoting civic responsibilities. Joy was very fond of trains, and after high school, he started his career of many years with the Union Pacific Railroad working in Sidney, North Platte and Columbus, Nebraska. He then went to work with the Burlington Northern Railroad in Alliance, Nebraska. He enjoyed his retirement years.
Joy’s many hobbies included photography, hunting, riding his motorcycle, listening to music, shopping for antiques, his coin collection, searching for treasures with his metal detector, and his trains. Joy inherited a massive train collection from his father that included engines that smoked, dairy cars that unloaded their products at the dock, passenger cars with people, and tunnels and bridges. Joy also kept a journal of all the track layouts he designed. He always had a great smile and was very compassionate. We feel fortunate for the time we had with him.and he will be missed.
Joy is survived by his brother, Robert Cloud, of Sidney and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Damon and Josephine Cloud; his sisters, Velora Cloud, Ramona Cloud, Lorraine Benzel, Cleo Liska, and Joann Hobbs; nephew David Benzel and great niece and namesake Jennifer Joy Van Briesen.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life and burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis TN 38101-9929.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.