Clifford Dally “C.D.” Scotten, 67, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026, in Nevada, Missouri.C.D. was born on October 28, 1958, in Nevada, Missouri, to Clifford Dally Scotten Sr. and Josephine Franc (DeWitt) Scotten.
C.D. grew up on the family farm in Vernon County, spending his early years with his siblings and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He often told stories of a watermelon patch grown in a creek bed east of their house and of riding horses bareback throughout the pastures surrounding the farm. As he got a little older, the horses became too slow for his liking, and he graduated to a minibike that his mother had told him he couldn’t have. His dad helped him get one anyway. From that point on, C.D. and his nephews kept the road hot between their respective houses.
C.D. later raced motocross and was very successful until he decided to trade his racing boots for a softball glove. He became a talented and aggressive fast-pitch softball pitcher, winning games in local leagues before beginning to travel statewide with other teams. It was often said, “If you ever step out of the box against C.D., you will get to first base…but it will cost you!” C.D. remembered those years and his teammates often and with great fondness.
After hanging up his cleats, C.D. enjoyed getting together with his childhood friends to play cards for as long as he possibly could. In later years, he won a seat in a poker tournament in Macau, China, by competing in an online World Series of Poker tournament. While there, he competed against professional players from around the world. Whether racing, playing softball, or playing poker, C.D.’s competitive nature always shined through.
C.D. spent the remainder of his years raising cattle with his sons on the family farm. He especially loved his dog, Toby, deer season, and fishing on the river when the catfish were biting.
Survivors include his wife, JoAnn, of the home; three sons, Clifford Scotten III (Treis) and his wife, Michaela, Chase Scotten, and Clint Scotten, all of Nevada; his brother, Laverne Scotten, of Nevada; his sister, Donna Sheets (Mike), of Nevada; and his brother-in-law, Mike Metcalf, of Nevada.
C.D. was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Jeannie Francis, Shirley McClasky, and Debbie Metcalf.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
A private family committal will be held at a later date.
The family asks in lieu of flowers or food, please consider donating to a local charity of your choice.
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