MICHAEL EUGENE CLIFFORD
MICHAEL EUGENE CLIFFORD
Michael Eugene Clifford, age 70, of Kahoka, Missouri, passed away at 1:20 PM Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at his home in Kahoka.
He was born on March 29th, 1950, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of the late Elmer Clifford Jr. and Norma (Fred) Whitehead.
Mike attended Clark County High School and graduated in 1968.
He joined the United States Navy in 1969 attaining the rank of Seaman and was honorably discharged in 1970.
On December 14, 1979, Mike married Lillian (Carlson) Clifford at the United Presbyterian Church in Keokuk and to this union three children were born, Jason Clifford, Stacie Parsons, and Patrick Clifford.
Mike was a jack of all trades, working many jobs in different skill areas, but his favorite job was being a parent and a grandparent.
If you knew Mike, you knew he loved bluegrass, playing with many friends and colleagues, performing at various events, and even playing professionally for a short while.
He spent his free time enjoying the land, fishing, deer hunting, and riding his motorcycle with his beloved wife, Lillian.
Grandchildren were Mikes most prized possession, his love will never fade from their hearts.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Lillian, a daughter, Stacie Parsons of Kahoka, two sons; Jason (LeAnn) Clifford of Keokuk and Patrick (Jasmine) Clifford of Wichita, KS, six grandchildren; Kara Ball, Keyton Bass, Elizabeth Clifford, Remmington Mitchell, Justin Clifford, and Evangeline Clifford, three great grandchildren; Michael Keefe, Chase Dart, and Kathryn Dart, one brother, Patrick Clifford of Memphis, three sisters; Susan (Bruce) Thompson of Long Grove, IL, Martha (Steve) Six of Kahoka, and Mary (“Spike”) Daw of Wayland.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Norma, as well as his stepfather Fred, and two grandchildren; Derrick Ball and Jimmie Bass.
Funeral services with full military rites honoring the life of Michael Clifford were held Saturday, March 13, at 2:00 pm at the United Methodist Church in Wayland.
A public visitation was held from 12:00 pm until the time of services on Saturday at the church.
The family was not present during the visitation.
Military Rites were provided by American Legion Post #192 & Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4342.
Memorials in Mike’s name could be made to the family with checks payable to Lillian Clifford and could be sent to Wilson and Triplett Funeral Home in Kahoka.
Pastor Shelby Whitney officiated the service.
You are invited to share your memories of Mike and leave a condolence at www.wilsontriplett.com.
Acknowledgement of Military Service
The members of the United States Navy, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars hereby acknowledge that Comrade Michael Eugene Clifford served our country for one year, ten months, and three days in the United States Navy.
He served as a Radioman and Fireman aboard the USS Mars (AFS-1), a Combat Stores Ship, during the Vietnam War.
He was served one year, six months, and twenty-five days sea service, attaining the rank of Seaman (E-3).
He was awarded and authorized to wear the following decorations:
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
He enlisted 20 February 1969, received an honorable discharge 22 December 1970 and returned to Kahoka, Clark County, Missouri.
The ship has been darkened, and the bell mournfully tolls for our shipmate who joined the staff of the supreme commander 10 March 2021.
During his final assignment we wish him fair winds and following seas.
