Last week marked the death of our classmate Larry E. Clifton. According to information obtained from The Childress Index, Larry died Friday, April 18, 2008 in Wichita Falls.
Services were held April 23 at the Wilbarger Street Church of Christ in Vernon, where Larry resided. He worked for North Texas State Hospital after retiring as a butcher for United Supermarkets.
Larry was the son of the late Howard Clifton and Audrey Reed Clifton. He was born in Childress on February 28, 1944 and married Patricia Pickrel in Vernon on November 6, 1967. They had a son and a daughter, Rodney Clifton and Cindy Clifton Upton, and one grandson, Keaton Upton, all of Vernon. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brother Gary. He is also survived by two sisters, Helen Thompson of Arlington and Sharon Robinson of Hurst; one brother, Grady Clifton, of Oklahoma City; one "daughter" Jill Robinson and one "granddaughter" Dally Jo Robinson of Vernon; and several nieces and nephews.
He served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Lawrence during the Vietnam War.
In the Senior Edition of The Corral, published Sunday, May 19, 1963 by The Childress Index, it was noted that Larry would be remembered for his nickname "Jake" and for his ability to memorize poems. He was a member of the FFA and DE programs at CHS.
I spoke with Larry's wife Patricia (the daughter of George and Lola Mae Pickrel of Kirkland) and their daughter Cindy this morning to extend condolences and to ask if they would share some thoughts and memories about Larry.
Patricia told me that Larry loved people, and that he enjoyed and remembered his years at CHS, where he was assuredly one of the "class clowns". He had a great sense of humor and was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Patricia and Cindy both wanted me to let our classmates know that Larry will have another grandchild in August, and that his 12 year old grandson Keaton is just as fun-loving as Larry was.
Cindy and Patricia also wanted me to add that Larry died of cancer in his lungs, liver and colon. When he was diagnosed on February 12 this year, his doctor believed the colon cancer had been present for about six years, although Larry never showed any warning signs or symptoms until soon before diagnosis. They ask us all to please be vigilant in having necessary and potentially life-saving diagnostic tests done.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society through the Northside School (where Larry's grandson Keaton is a student) or the Wilbarger Church of Christ in Vernon.
My sincere sympathy and condolences to Larry's family. We hope that our readers will share any memories they have of Larry as comments to this post.
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3 comments:
I remember Larry's brother Grady. He was just the nicest person on earth and all of us little heathens just adored him. He and my uncles taught us to play Hide and Seek. Larry was always the gentleman, letting the girls come in first..safe and sound.
I remember that Larry's mom, Audrey, always had the best garden. She and my Grannie, who was her sister in law, alway competed on having the best of whatever vegetable that would grow without too much water...they were major conservationists. One of my strongest life memories is one of eating tomatoes in Audrey's garden...OMG...they were just too delicious for words. Larry taught me that it was ok to just pick one off the vine and eat it, which was an indulgence I was not allowed at home. I must say that those were the most delicious tomatoes I had or have ever eaten....absolutely Heavenly!!!...That memory has always been with me...and has forever guided me through many gardens.
Sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Larry's family. I remember him as always smiling. I know his family will miss him dearly.
Deepest sympathy to Larry's family. Their loving description of him is a beautiful tribute.
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