Don Clifford

Donald Raymond Clifford was born on April 20, 1919 on the family farm in rural Milford, son of Elmer and Bernice (Miller) Clifford. He attended school in Excelsior Township and Spencer, Iowa. He married Leone Goodell on Flag Day, June 14, 1942. He then went on to serve his country in the Motor Pool of the United States Army during World War II in the South Pacific. Upon discharge, he worked at the Chevrolet dealership in Estherville, Iowa. He then moved his young family to the family farm in rural Milford where he farmed until his retirement. After retirement, he and Leone moved to Milford where he worked at Stylecraft. Don was well known around the Milford area as he portrayed "Santa Claus" to the delight of many youngsters at Christmas time. He and Leone were also known for the wonderful pies that they sold at the farmer's market every summer. Don and Leone were married for sixty-two years before she passed away in 2004. The last two years he has been a resident of the Lake Park Care Center. Don was a life long member of Excelsior United Methodist Church where he served as a member of various committees. He also was a longtime sexton of the Excelsior Township Cemetery. He is survived by his two sons, Russel and his wife, Marilyn Clifford of Sioux City, Iowa; Mark and his special friend, Mary Schmidt; daughter, Beverly and her husband Richard Lindsey of Savannah, Georgia; eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Kari, Aaron, Eric, Adam, Ben, Luke and Nathan; eleven great-grandchildren; and his sister, Marita Moles of Lolo, Montana. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, brother, LaVern Clifford and one grandson, Brian Clifford.