Clifford James McCue

Clifford James “Butch” McCue, 76, formerly of Gillette, passed away peacefully surrounded by his daughters on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, in Danvers, Massachusetts.

Memorial services for next summer at the Black Hills National Cemetery are currently being planned.

Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Dec. 12, 1949, Cliff spent his early childhood years in Canistota and Murdo, South Dakota. He and his siblings enjoyed a wonderful childhood, raised by their mother Bonnie “Pearl.” His family moved to the Rosebud Sioux Reservation for Cliff’s teenage years where Pearl had taken a job as a secretary at the local high school.

“Boo Magoo,” as Cliff was known by his friends, enjoyed playing three sports. He especially stood out as a running back on the football field. After graduating from Todd County, he went on to build houses for the reservation. He then enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to Vietnam in June of 1971, where he served as a Sergeant of the 92nd Combat Engineers.

Upon returning home on St. Patrick’s Day of 1972, Cliff moved to Gillette, Wyoming, where he worked on the railroad and met his wife of 38 years, Roberta McCue. Cliff and “Berta” started a family which became his life’s passion. While raising his children, Cliff was a fiercely protective father, doting especially on his four daughters. As Cliff’s children grew up and went on to start families of their own, he became just as passionate about extending this love to all of his beloved grandchildren.

For much of his adult life, Cliff’s second family were his colleagues at the Black Thunder Coal Mine where he spent over 30 years, for many of which he served as superintendent.

In 1990, Cliff joined the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club. As a member of the club, “Magoo” found brotherhood and camaraderie with fellow veterans who shared his passion for motorcycles. Whether he was with his fellow Vietnam Vet brothers, family, or other close friends, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was an annual event that Cliff looked forward to.

Cliff is survived by his mother, Bonnie Pearl Morris; siblings, Brad McCue (Alane), Sandra McCue Clinton (Billy), and Mitch McCue (Patricia); his ex-wife Roberta McCue; six children, Stuart McCue, Scot Shier (Karen), Fawn Vincent (Billy), Jessica McGraw (Tug), Melissa Martin (Randy), and Teresa Brown (Eric); 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Clara Root; sister, Susan McCue; and son, Troy Eaglefeather.

While Cliff was a man of few words, when he spoke it mattered; Cliff would convey his sense of humor with a sharp-witted remark or a memorable story. Moreover, friends and family often found him to be someone they could rely on for words of advice that carried the wisdom of a loving soul. He will be forever remembered as a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Most importantly, whether they knew him as Cliff, Butch, or Magoo, anyone who was lucky enough to know him will always remember him for his immense heart.

To our dad, our hero, we will love you forever. — Your girls

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the HunterSeven Foundation, supporting veterans that have been exposed to toxic elements, such as Agent Orange.