May 14, 2025

Pool tournament pays Grandpa’s love forward in SE Iowa

ELDON, IOWA  --  The new year started with a big loss in the life of Haley McCarty of Eldon, a small town on the Des Moines River south of Ottumwa.  On New Year’s Day she and her family said a final farewell to their rock – her grandfather, Daniel Cloke. 

“My grandpa was a military man.  He was drafted to Vietnam out of high school,” McCarty says, “He loved the outdoors, turkey hunting and fishing.  He loved to be adventurous.”

Daniel Cloke served eight months in Vietnam, according to his obituary, and received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.  After returning home, he joined the American Legion in Ottumwa and worked for John Deere for more than 30 years. 

But Haley says he can best be remembered for his love for family. “He was very passionate for his grandkids,” Haley says, “rides to school, money for gas, taking them on adventures” - whenever he was needed, he was there. 

EveryStep Hospice Care

Daniel Cloke entered hospice care in October 2024.  The care he received, says Haley, was a gift to him and his family. 

“They were wonderful.  I can’t say a single bad thing about hospice,” Haley says, “It takes a very special person to be a hospice care provider.” 

“He never asked for much, but they provided everything for him that he asked ... he loved them.” 

After her grandpa’s passing, Haley chose to carry on his gift for giving.  On the final weekend of March, she hosted a two-day pool tournament in Keosaqua as a fundraiser for hospice providers.  She started by spreading the word on Facebook.  As word spread, a beer distributor printed posters for her and helped spread the message in local bars.   

When it was finally time for the opening break, she’d attracted 29 teams to compete with players coming from as far away as Davenport and Illinois.  When the final eight-ball dropped in the pocket, she’d raised $1,400 dollars to split between hospice groups. 

“I think donations are really important.  Not just for the person to keep their names alive, but to enable families to have peace and be at ease from financial burden.” 

Make a Donation to EveryStep

Haley’s unsolicited donation arrived with a handwritten letter at EveryStep’s Des Moines offices in early May.  “Hospice was a wonderful help to us when we needed it when (grandpa) was sick and passed away.  I want to keep his name alive in some way and this is the best way I know how,” Haley wrote, “Thank you for all that you do.” 

No, Haley, thank you.