Tom and Leanna Clair
In Town: Tom and Leanna Clair own Clair’s “C” Mart, a mini mart, gas and garage business that has been a mainstay in Ash Grove, Mo., for over 30 years.
Most days you will find Leanna behind the register and Tom working in the garage. At Clair’s they still pump your gas for you.
In the Country: The Clair’s own Crystal Creek Farm, a beautiful 35-acre homestead tucked in the Missouri Ozarks Hills. Tom Clair’s family purchased the farm in 1964, when Tom was 12 years old and it has remained in the family ever since. “Farming is what we love,” Tom said. Leanna and Tom raised their daughters Missy, Shelly and Jenny in the farmhouse that is over 100 years old.
In 2003 Tom purchased his first Devon steers that he trained as oxen. Tom continues to grow his herd every year. The Milking Devon breed is a triple-purpose breed used for milking, meat and as draft animals. The breed is known for its fertility, calving ease, docility, hardiness and ability to forage on all types of grasses.
How do you make it all work?
Leanna opens the store at 6 a.m., and Tom opens the garage at 7:30. Leanna said, “I stay at the store while Tom spends most afternoons working at the farm. We are both slowing down considerably these days. Tom is installing a fencing and watering systems that will enable us to continue farming as we reach retirement age. Life is good.”
Story and Photo by Jaynie Kinnie-Hout
